County News
Faith and Determination: Firefighter-Paramedic Sebastian Raigosa
At 18, Juan "Sebastian" Raigosa came to the United States from Colombia, starting a journey filled with challenges, growth, and opportunity. After discovering his passion for EMS, he moved to Destin and embraced the transition into a new life, a new career, and a...
Diagne Leads Northwest Florida Past Mineral Area, 63-47
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — No. 5 Northwest Florida State women's basketball secured a gritty win Friday night, knocking off Mineral Area 63-47 to improve to 6-1 on the season while handing the Cardinals their first loss. The teams battled evenly through the opening quarter,...
Tourism Economy Elevates Walton County’s Quality of Life and Community
As summer memories linger in our minds, we’re also grateful for the cooler days ahead. Now that we can take time to reflect on this past season and its successes, we can also reflect on the impact of tourism and how the visitor economy supports our residents and the...
NWFL Guardian ad Litem Foundation Raises Over $119,000 to Support Local Foster Children
The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation proudly announces that its two fall signature events—the Garden Gala in Niceville and Groove & Give with The Mulligans in Pensacola—collectively raised over $119,000 to support abused, abandoned, and neglected...
October 18’s Third Round of the CFP College Football Rankings/Brackets Released
The rankings and brackets are only a prediction of the playoffs games based on this week's rankings. They are subject to change as the season plays out. New rankings and brackets will be published weekly until Conference Championship weekend in December....
Holiday Toy and Gift Requests by Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center For Children In Need
Niceville & DeFuniak Springs FL (November 7, 2025)…With the holiday season just around the corner, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is putting out a call for help from the community and businesses to deliver unwrapped toys and gifts to stock...
HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency Celebrates Topping Off
HCA Florida recently celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its new HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency facility with a topping-off ceremony, marking the completion of the structure’s highest point. The event on November 17 brought together local...
Walton County Fire Rescue Celebrates Two Decades of Service
On November 16, 2005, Walton County Fire Rescue officially received its Fire Department Identification Number (FDID) from the State of Florida, marking the beginning of 20 years of dedication, service, and growth. Since that day, the department has expanded...
Obituaries
Jerald Lee Pearman, Jr.
Mr. Jerald Lee Pearman, Jr, age 67, passed away November 9, 2025. He was born on October 29, 1958 in Bourne, Massachusetts to Jerald Lee Pearman, Sr and Frances Armetta Hendricks Pearman. Mr. Pearman was a long-term resident of Freeport, Florida. He was a Master...
Robert Lee Blanchard
Obituary forthcoming.
Susan Michele Lusk
Obituary forthcoming.
Willard Hare
Willard Hare, 98 of Freeport, Florida passed way November 8, 2025, at Sodalis Senior Living Facility in DeFuniak Springs, Florida surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 30, 1927, in Bruce, Florida, the son of John and Sarah Hare. He served in the...
Sports
Volunteers Roll to a 31-11 Victory Over Gators
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The streak is over. No, not Florida's NCAA-record scoring streak. The Gators found a way to score, but their 10-game home win streak over Tennessee came to an ugly end in a 31-11 loss on Saturday night at sold-out Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The No....
Northwest Florida Rolls Past Central Georgia Tech in 113-68 Rout
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — No. 5 Northwest Florida State women's basketball delivered a dominant offensive performance Friday afternoon, cruising past Central Georgia Tech, 113–68. The 113-point outburst marks the program's second-highest scoring total in a single game and...
#4 Bulldogs Cruise Past Charlotte. 35-3
ATHENS, Ga. — The fourth-ranked Georgia football team cruised to a 35-3 win over Charlotte on Saturday at Sanford Stadium. On Senior Day, it was a freshman running back, Bo Walker, who had a breakout game, scoring the first three touchdowns of his career. In the first...
Canes Cruise Past Virginia Tech 34-17
BLACKSBURG, Va. – The mood was festive at Lane Stadium Saturday as Virginia Tech honored its seniors and introduced a new head coach. But the Miami Hurricanes quickly extinguished any hopes for the Hokie faithful, jumping on the home team early and cruising to a 34-17...