County News
WCFR Receives 2025 WCHIP Outstanding Partner Award
Walton County Fire Rescue is honored to receive the 2025 WCHIP Outstanding Partner Award for our Community Health Program! Through their Mobile Integrated Health services, WCFR teams provide chronic disease support, post-discharge follow-ups, care navigation, and...
WCFR’s Michael Hernandez Receives Paramedic Certification
Some people take on one challenge at a time. Lieutenant Michael Hernandez is not one of them. Michael began his career in the fire service in 2014 as a firefighter-EMT in North Palm Beach, later joining Escambia County Fire Rescue in 2016. In 2021, he brought his...
Alden Staat Named SWFD Firefighter of the Third Quarter
Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Alden Staat, he is the 2025 Firefighter of the 3rd Quarter! Fire Chief Ryan Crawford and C-Shift crew members surprised him with this award presentation and a Chief's Challenge Coin this week. In the words of his company...
Walton County Fire Rescue Is Proud to Support Santa Patrol
It’s that special time of year when our community rallies together to brighten the holidays for local children. Walton County Fire Rescue is honored to help make it happen! Since the 1970s, the Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Santa Patrol program has delivered...
Firefighters Knock Down Structure Fire in Liberty
Just before midnight on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Walton County Fire Rescue, City of DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, and volunteers with Argyle Volunteer Fire Department responded to assist Liberty Volunteer Fire District in battling a structure fire on Highway...
Second Rankings for College Football Playoff Released
The second week of the CFP Rankings (Week 12) is upon us. The bracket as it is today, along with the top 25 rankings are below. Remember, these are just snapshots and not final judgments. The final brackets and rankings will be released next month.
Forever Warriors Donates $50,000 to Support United Way Emerald Coast’s Mission United
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) is honored to receive a generous $50,000 investment from Forever Warriors, powered by Step One Automotive Group, in support of Mission United, a program serving active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and their families. This...
Raiders Roll Past Southwest Mississippi, Improve to 4-0
On a cool Monday evening, the top-ranked Northwest Florida State women's basketball team stayed red hot inside Raider Arena, cruising to a 74-32 victory over Southwest Mississippi behind another balanced offensive effort and a smothering defensive performance. The win...
Obituaries
James Michael Newman
Mr. James Michael Newman, age 73, passed away October 23, 2025. He was born on September 20, 1952 in Norwich, New York to Edward J. Newman, Sr. and Genevieve R. Holcomb Newman. Mr. Newman was a resident of Freeport, Florida He was Catholic by faith. He was a loving...
William Allison Bowes
CMSgt William Allison "Bill" Bowes, age 90 (two days shy of his 91st birthday), of DeFuniak Springs, passed away on October 27, 2025 in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on October 29, 1934, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He spent his first seven years in...
Sandra Olivia Cunningham
Ms. Sandra Olivia Cunningham, age 68, passed away October 25, 2025. She was born on June 23, 1957 in Sylva, North Carolina to Martin Cunningham and Allyce Mills Cunningham. Ms. Cunningham was a resident of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She graduated from Appalachian...
Joseph Ray Howell
Mr. Joseph Ray Howell, age 38, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was born on January 21, 1987 in Pensacola, Florida to Trevor John Howell and Tabitha A. Williamson Forehand. Mr. Howell was a resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He was Christian by faith. He...
Sports
Canes Storm Past NC State 41-7 on Senior Day
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — As the weeks add up on the college football calendar, the stakes get higher and Saturday the Miami Hurricanes delivered a performance to match. The Canes rode a punishing defense and a ruthlessly efficient offense to a 41-7 statement win over the...
#4 Alabama Falls 23-21 to #11 Oklahoma
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The No. 4/4/4 Alabama football team (8-2, 6-1 SEC) dropped its first Southeastern Conference contest of the 2025 campaign, falling, 23-21, to No. 11/11/10 Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2 SEC) Saturday afternoon inside a sold-out Saban Field at Bryant-Denny...
LSU Powers Past Arkansas 23-22; Keeps Golden Boot in Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE – Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. went 21-for-31 with 221 yards passing and a touchdown to lead LSU over Arkansas, 23-22, on Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium, marking the ninth time in the last 10 years that the Tigers have claimed The Golden Boot....
Raiders Squeak by No. 3 Daytona in Overtime Classic
Anytime two top-10 teams meet early in the season, the expectation is a high-level showdown. Friday night delivered exactly that—and more—as No. 6 Northwest Florida battled past No. 3 Daytona State for a thrilling 101–99 overtime road victory. The game swung wildly in...