Emerald Coast Open Removes More Than 20,000 Lionfish
The Gulf waters surrounding Destin-Fort Walton Beach are a little healthier this month thanks to more than 100 divers from across the country who participated in the 2026 Emerald Coast Open — now recognized as the world’s largest lionfish tournament.
This year’s tournament removed an impressive 20,752 invasive lionfish from Gulf waters surrounding the region’s extensive artificial reef system.
The annual event paired conservation efforts with family-friendly entertainment during the Lionfish Festival at HarborWalk Village and a popular Restaurant Week featuring creative lionfish-inspired cuisine throughout the area.
“This free family-friendly event has brought divers from across the country to our amazing area since 2019,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “What our natural resources staff and partners have been able to do is remarkable. They have created a festive event for the community that also gives back to our marine ecosystem.”
The tournament included a pre-event competition that yielded 5,734 lionfish, followed by the main two-day tournament earlier this month that added another 15,018 to the final total.
Behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar at HarborWalk Village, divers lined up to have their catches measured and weighed as festivalgoers watched the action unfold throughout the weekend.
Teams competed for more than $100,000 in cash and gear prizes in categories including largest lionfish, smallest lionfish and most lionfish harvested.
Top winners included:
• Most Lionfish — DWM Off the Deep End with 2,641 lionfish
• Largest Lionfish — Lady Ray at 461 mm
• Smallest Lionfish — Nole Mercy Spearfishing at 56 mm
• Restaurant Week Winner — La Paz Restaurante & Cantina for the fourth consecutive year
One lucky attendee, Trenlon Harris, also won the “Guess How Many Lionfish Will Be Caught?” contest by guessing 15,014 — just four fish shy of the official tournament total of 15,018 during the main event.
Lionfish remain one of the Gulf’s most problematic invasive species because they reproduce rapidly and have few natural predators in local waters. Divers armed with spears remain the most effective method for removing them from the ecosystem.
Complete standings and additional information can be found at www.emeraldcoastopen.com.
Learn more about Destin-Fort Walton Beach natural resource initiatives at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism.
One Okaloosa EDC Receives Statewide Honor
A transformational economic development project in northern Okaloosa County has earned statewide recognition.
One Okaloosa EDC recently received the 2026 “Deal of the Year” award from the Florida Economic Development Council for the Williams International project now under construction at Shoal River Industrial Park near Crestview.
Williams International is building the first phase of a 1,000,000-square-foot gas turbine engine manufacturing facility representing more than $1 billion in capital investment — one of the largest economic development projects in Florida history. The company plans to create 336 jobs with an average salary of $69,434.
One Okaloosa EDC received the Urban category award, which recognizes projects based on economic impact and the expertise required to bring them to fruition.
“We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Florida Economic Development Council,” stated Nathan Sparks, One Okaloosa EDC Executive Director. “While our organization’s name may be on it, this is truly a team award. Without Williams International’s belief in our community – and without incredible partners like the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, FloridaCommerce, Triumph Gulf Coast, Space Florida, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, Northwest Florida State College, the University of West Florida, Okaloosa Technical College, Okaloosa County School District and so many others – this monumental success simply would not have been possible.”
Niceville Dancer Earns Spot at Prestigious Joffrey Ballet School
Niceville teenager Jane Taylor, a 15-year-old sophomore and dancer with Ballet Conservatory, recently earned acceptance into the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program in New York City following standout performances at the Ballet Championships of America in Atlanta.
Taylor captured first place and the Artistic Performance Award in solo contemporary for a self-choreographed piece titled “Four Hands.” She also earned third place in solo classical repertoire for a Giselle variation and first place in solo classical open for a Paquita variation.
Her success caught the attention of Joffrey Ballet School recruiters, one of the nation’s most respected pre-professional dance programs, during the national competition.
This fall, Taylor will relocate to Manhattan to begin intensive training through the school’s highly competitive Trainee Program, which serves dancers ages 13 to 25 and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. The rigorous schedule includes daily ballet technique, pointe, repertory and rehearsal training from morning through late afternoon throughout the academic year. She plans to continue her education online while spending up to four years at the school’s intensive training facility.
Hurricane Expo Returns to Okaloosa County May 30
Okaloosa County is inviting the community to what has become one of the area’s most important annual preparedness events — and perhaps one of the most engaging.
Okaloosa County’s Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo will take place Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway in Shalimar.
The free event is designed to help families prepare before storms threaten the Gulf Coast while providing direct access to emergency experts, county officials and preparedness resources all in one location.bEarly attendees will receive free bags and disaster preparedness items including flashlights, first-aid kits and hand sanitizer while supplies last. More than 14 vendors are expected to participate along with food trucks, a touch-a-truck area, free hurricane guides and interactive booths focused on storm readiness.
The event will also feature presentations from experts who deal with hurricanes and emergency response firsthand. Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety, will present information specifically tailored to Okaloosa County residents, including local evacuation methodology, storm response procedures and how county leadership makes critical decisions before, during and after severe weather events.
Jessica Chace, Senior Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, will serve as keynote speaker and provide insight into how meteorologists communicate rapidly changing storm information in real time.
A live Q&A panel featuring representatives from local utilities, emergency management and law enforcement agencies will also allow residents to ask questions directly related to storm preparedness and recovery.
Additional information: www.myokaloosa.com.
