30A Breaking News Powered by 30A.TV
- Reba McEntire & Rex Linn Celebrate Five Years Of Their Beloved Valentine’s Traditionby 30amanager on February 16, 2026 at 6:23 pm
Reba McEntire & Rex Linn Share The Sweetest Love Country music star Reba McEntire and actor Rex Linn celebrated another sweet Valentine’s Day together with an absolutely iconic tradition! The couple first met in 1991 on the set of The Gambler. They stayed in touch one filming wrapped but didn’t connect romantically until they reunited on the set of More Country Music Nation
- Emerald Coastie carries the flame – 18 years after Beijing Olympicsby 30amanager on February 16, 2026 at 5:43 pm
Emerald Coastie carries the flame – 18 years after Beijing Olympics Christopher Saul February 16, 2026 11:43 am Niceville, Sports Morgan Harrison (nee Montoya) and I meet at Black Rifle Coffee Company on an impromptu Thursday afternoon. I‘m there a little bit early, so I grab a coffee and sit opposite the big screen TV perched in the southeast corner of the roastery. On the TV, Olympic ice skaters twirl and jump across the screen in outfits with their various national colors. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Morgan enter the shop with a large, narrow cardboard box. In reflective red, the box has clouds in the Chinese circular style grafted onto it. The box is almost 20 years old, which must be an eternity for cardboard. Despite plenty of military moves across the nation from Hawai’i, Alaska, Los Angeles, and finally here to the Emerald Coast, the box is in fantastic shape. It’s like viewing an 80-year old marathoner – a once-in-a-lifetime view itself. Morgan has a big smile on her face as she says hi and lets me know she’s going to grab some coffee. She sits down, and we begin to talk about the time she ran and carried the Olympic Torch through the only American City to host the flame for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in China. RELATED: Local nonprogit secures adaptive bike for special needs child. Happiness and Fear In 2008, Morgan lived in San Francisco....
- Emotional Farewell, Powerful Future: The SS United States to Become a Massive Gulf Reefby 30amanager on February 16, 2026 at 5:26 pm
Emotional Farewell, Powerful Future: The SS United States to Become a Massive Gulf Reef Staff Reports February 16, 2026 11:26 am Emerald Coast, Military, Okaloosa County In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County officials, Nick Tomacek, Coleen Marine What: Sinking the SS United States to create an artificial reef When: Planned for April, pending weather and Coast Guard inspections Where: 22 miles west of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in the Gulf Why: To create a marine habitat, boost tourism, and preserve the ship’s legacy in a new way OKALOOSA COUNTY — The historic SS United States is headed for a dramatic new chapter beneath the Gulf waters. According to a report by Fox 10 News and an article published in Cruise Industry News, Okaloosa County officials are preparing to sink the legendary ocean liner this April, transforming the once-record-breaking passenger ship into what is expected to become the world’s largest artificial reef. The vessel, which will be deployed approximately 22 miles west of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, was acquired by Okaloosa County in 2023 as part of a long-term effort to expand the area’s artificial reef program and enhance marine habitat and tourism opportunities. Built in 1952, the SS United States once symbolized American engineering might and luxury ocean travel. Out of service since 1969, the ship spent most of the last three decades docked at a commercial pier in Philadelphia before being relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where it is now undergoing final preparations for its assisted sinking. Extensive Cleanup Underway Before the ship...
- Walton tourism representatives say commission ignores advice at county’s financial perilby 30amanager on February 16, 2026 at 4:50 pm
Walton tourism representatives say commission ignores advice at county’s financial peril Steven Saul February 16, 2026 10:50 am 30a, South Walton, Walton County Even though Walton County’s economic outlook revolves around tourism – local tourism leaders on the Tourism Development Council (TDC) accuse the Walton Board of County Commissioners (BCC) of ignoring their input – they say, to their peril. The issue, tourism leaders say, came to a head over the BCC’s decision to purchase a parcel of land near the Eastern Lake Coastal Dunes for almost $10 million – only to decide against improving it for tourism purposes. The decision to leave the parcel as-is followed a contentious meeting in which the property’s neighbors came out in force to oppose planned improvements, including a parking lot and other amenities, to make the land more accessible to locals and tourists. The Walton Tourism Development Council is made up of members who are typically experts in tourism and are appointed by various elected officials, including the Board of County Commissioners, for terms concurrent with their appointers. TDC acting chair Amy Wise-Coble expressed her displeasure with the commission’s decision to use tourism development funds to purchase the land, and then bow to pressure to leave the parcel alone. She added in an interview after the meeting that she believes the county’s decision to skip the part of the decision-making process that involves the TDC meant the BCC has put themselves at risk for more SNAFUs where they decide to buy property with...
- Deal Alert: Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop Hits Record Low Price, Offering Premium Performance for Just $349.99by 30amanager on February 16, 2026 at 1:17 am
In a move that’s sparking excitement among tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious shoppers alike, Lenovo has rolled out an unbeatable deal on its IdeaPad laptop series, making high-end computing more accessible than ever. The Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop Computer, equipped with 20GB RAM, 1.2TB storage combining a 256GB SSD with 1TB cloud storage, an Intel Core processor, The post Deal Alert: Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop Hits Record Low Price, Offering Premium Performance for Just $349.99 appeared first on Cord Cutters News.
- Enjoy Resort-Style Senior Living In South Walton At Watersound Fountainsby SoWal Staff on February 13, 2026 at 2:02 pm
South Walton is an enviable vacation spot — and just off the beach at the growing and vibrant Watersound Origins community you can live the life full time! Surrounded by majestic natural splendor and pristine beaches, Watersound Fountains at Watersound Origins is one of the most exclusive 62+ residential communities in the world.
- Alys Beach Tequila Dinner & Tasting Weekend Benefiting The Point Washington Medical Clinic March 6by SoWal Staff on February 13, 2026 at 1:56 pm
Alys Beach is set to host an evening of elegance and purpose this March, blending the art of fine spirits with a mission to support local healthcare. The Valor Tequila Dinner & Tasting Weekend kicks off on Friday, March 6, offering a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy world-class tequila while supporting the Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC).
- Stand-up Showcase Brings High Energy Comedy to Grand Boulevard March 12by SoWal Staff on February 13, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is clearing the stage for big laughs this March as it hosts the year’s first "Comedy on the Boulevard." The one-night-only showcase brings together a trio of the Southeast’s most entertaining stand-up talents for an evening of quick wit and relatable storytelling. Scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 P.M., the event promises to transform the professional theatre space into a relaxed, high-energy comedy club.
- Enchanting "La Vie en Rouge" Fundraiser Returns to ECTC March 6by SoWal Staff on February 6, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) invites the community to trade the Gulf breeze for a Parisian breeze this March. The professional theatre company recently announced the return of its annual fundraiser, "La Vie en Rouge," a night dedicated to French-inspired elegance and the continued growth of local arts education.
- Local and Visitor School Calendars for 2025-2026: Spring Break 2026by SoWal Staff on February 3, 2026 at 3:12 pm
Here is the 2025-2026 School Calendar from Visit South Walton - Use it to help plan your trips to SoWal. Locals can see when to promote business, events, and when to plan around traffic, and crowds at restaurants and grocery stores. The school calendar shows when K-12 schools and universities/colleges in our major travel markets will be on break and for school start dates. South Walton School Calendar includes 30A travel info for Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and other holidays.








