There were 28 more deaths reported, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 3,447. The state Department of Health reported that 14,354 coronavirus patients are presently under hospital care.

Jennifer Hunt has been experiencing homelessness since 2017. She says selfishness, pride and addiction lead her to her current living situation.

Okaloosa County has reached the dubious milestone of 500 diagnosed COVID-19 cases and Health Department Director Dr. Karen Chapman warned local leaders Thursday that the county is facing a critical situation.

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — A call to remove the Confederate Flag that has flown at the Walton County Courthouse since the Civil Rights era was rejected Tuesday by the county commission in a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Danny Glidewell, Trey Nick and Melanie Nipper voted against a proposal to retire the flag. The motion was put forward by Commission Chairman Bill Chapman and followed pleas from several residents who said they see the flag as emblematic of past and present racism.