County News
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...
Raiders Rally for Five Unanswered to Walk Off No. 6 Odessa
YUMA, Ariz. — Down but never out, Northwest Florida State softball mounted an incredible comeback to stun No. 6 Odessa College, scoring five unanswered runs across the final two innings to walk it off, 5-4, on a clutch single by Falyn Beebe. What started as a...
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
Offense Stalls as Raiders Drop Game One in Clearwater
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Despite a dominant effort in the circle from sophomore Cailyn Heyl, Northwest Florida State fell just short in its opening game of the FCSAA Championship, dropping a 1-0 extra-inning decision to No. 17 Eastern Florida State. Heyl was exceptional...
Northwest Florida Set to Open Postseason Play Wednesday in Clearwater
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Northwest Florida State College softball team will begin its pursuit of a state title on Wednesday morning, facing off against Eastern Florida State College in the opening round of the 2025 FCSAA Division I Softball Championship. The Raiders...
Raiders’ Season Comes to an End Following Game 2 Loss to SCF
NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State's 2024 baseball season came to a close Saturday afternoon after an 11-6 loss to State College of Florida in Game Two of the FCSAA Championship Opening Round. Despite a late push fueled by Tristan Bittle's grand slam, the...