County News
Florida SBDC Network Urges Preparation for Hurricane Season
Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, urges small businesses to prepare for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and extends through November 30....
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...
LU Workout at Bluewater Fitness in Remembrance of Deputy Will May
Walton County Sheriff’s Office had a strong showing at the LU workout at Bluewater Fitness in honor and in remembrance of Deputy Will May. All proceeds from the event go to Deputy Will May’s family. Thank you Black Rifle Coffee Company Niceville and Bluewater Fitness...
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...
Northwest Florida State College’s Spring 2025 President’s and Dean’s Lists
NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is proud to celebrate the exceptional academic accomplishments of students who earned spots on the Spring 2025 President’s List and Dean’s List. These honors recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding...
Two Arrested After Violent Attack Outside Local Convenience Store
A routine shift turned violent for one store employee in Miramar Beach Wednesday night, ending with two suspects in custody. Just after 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Circle K on Scenic Gulf Drive after...
Walton County Fire Rescue Assists with Structure Fire at DFS Burger King
This morning, Walton County Fire Rescue responded to a mutual aid request from the DeFuniak Springs Fire Department following reports of a structure fire at the Burger King located on U.S. Highway 331 South in DeFuniak Springs. At approximately 9:40 a.m., units from...
Obituaries
Donald James O’Donnel
Donald James O’Donnel, 82, of Miramar Beach, Florida, passed away May 14, 2025 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Dayton, Ohio on November 11, 1942, to Darrell and Thelma O’Donnel. Don was a beloved husband, father, and “Papa Don” to...
Shirley Evon Baker
Shirley Evon Campbell Baker, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. Born in Walton County, Florida on February 15, 1938, Shirley lived a life defined by compassion, quiet...
Merlin Christopher Smith
Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye to Merlin Christopher Smith, age 58, whom passed away May 13, 2025. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, February 3, 1967, to Bill and Linda Smith. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Eglin Air Force Base, where he...
Freeda Marie (Cooey) Anderson
Freda Marie Cooey Anderson departed this life on May 12, 2025, at the age of 54. A beloved mother, sister, and friend, Freda leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love, kindness, and strength which will echo in the hearts of those she touched. Born of...
Sports
Raiders Open World Series with Second Round Matchup Against #14 Southern Union
YUMA, Ariz. — No. 3 seed Northwest Florida State will begin its 2025 NJCAA Softball World Series run in the desert with a second-round matchup against No. 14 seed Southern Union on Tuesday, May 20 at 3:15 p.m. (CST). The Bison earned their spot in the second round...
Northwest Florida Softball Earns At-Large Bid, No. 3 Seed in NJCAA Softball World Series
NICEVILLE, Fla. — The NJCAA Softball Committee unveiled the 2025 World Series bracket Tuesday afternoon, featuring 20 teams set to compete for a national championship next week in Yuma, Ariz. Among them: Northwest Florida State, which secured the No. 3 overall seed...
Raiders Stay Alive with Win Over Seminole, Fall to Santa Fe in Second Elimination Game
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Raiders extended their postseason run with a gritty 1-0 victory over No. 6 Seminole State in Friday's first elimination game, but their time in Clearwater came to an end later that evening with a 9-4 loss to No. 15 Santa Fe. Cailyn...
Raiders Stay Alive Behind Arnold’s Big Day in 8-4 Win Over #4 Indian River
CLEARWATER, Fla. — With their season on the line, Northwest Florida State delivered a resilient performance, fueled by timely hitting and a strong relief outing, to defeat #4 Indian River 8–4 Thursday morning in an elimination game at the FSCAA State Tournament. FCSAA...