SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
A new Walmart Neighborhood Market opens in Crestview today with a grand opening celebration. Okaloosa native Larry Keefe has been appointed to lead the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Nikki Segraves Wood of ERA American Real Estate ranks No. 17 in the ERA network. Niceville quarterback Deagan McCoy is this week’s Athlete of the Week, and Week 7 football preview and predictions cover rain in the forecast and the playoff picture taking shape.
FROM THE STATE
Okaloosa native Larry Keefe appointed to lead Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Larry Keefe, an Okaloosa County native and former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, will lead the Florida Department of Law Enforcement following a vote of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday morning.
Keefe succeeds FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass, who has accepted a new role with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. DeSantis said the state was notified of Glass’ departure earlier this month.
In introducing the appointment, DeSantis pointed to the roles Keefe has held in his administration and at the federal level.
“Larry served our administration as public safety czar, then as executive director of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. He was also the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida,” DeSantis said. “In every position he had, he’s performed at the highest possible level. Larry will lead the agency with distinction, ensuring the rule of law and public safety remain a top priority.”
SPONSORED
Enjoy the drive
With new and used auto loan rates as low as 4.74% APR, it’s time to enjoy your next day out in the car, truck or SUV that you love.
Shop at any participating dealer and apply for on-site Eglin FCU financing or apply online at eglinfcu.org/auto.
From scenic rides to weekend getaways, enjoy the drive with Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most.
GAMES
WordroW: September 30, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Niceville quarterback Deagan McCoy leads on the field, in the classroom and in his faith
Athlete of the Week is brought to you by Okaloosa Gas District – supporting the athletes who make our community stronger.
Niceville treated its district matchup with Tate as win or go home, and junior quarterback Deagan McCoy delivered, completing 13 of 16 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-33 win that moved the Eagles to 2-0 in district play. Through six games, he has thrown for 1,001 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 257 rushing yards, and he says the biggest jump has come as a leader.
“I feel like this is my team now, and I’m taking that responsibility,” McCoy said.
“We do not win that game vs. Tate without Deagan leading us on and off the field,” Head Coach Adron Robinson said.
A military kid who moved to Niceville from North Carolina before middle school, McCoy didn’t play tackle football until sixth grade. Now he’s leading the Eagles, serving as a student leader for seventh-grade boys at CrossPoint Church and chasing a dream he had in the stands at Eagle Stadium.
PROMOTED BY ERA
Nikki Segraves Wood of ERA American Real Estate ranks No. 17 in ERA network
Northwest Florida real estate professional Nikki Segraves Wood of ERA American Real Estate is ranked No. 17 in the ERA Real Estate network, continuing a run of national recognition and success.
Wood has consistently ranked among ERA American Real Estate’s top 10 individual agents, building a business known for experience, problem-solving and an ability to navigate complex real estate opportunities.
Her clients range from traditional buyers and sellers to investors pursuing rehabs, short-term rentals and long-term holds, as well as new construction builders and land developers. The latest recognition builds on Wood’s previous honor as a Top 1% ERA real estate professional globally, which she received at ERA’s FUEL convention in Nashville in 2024.
SPORTS
Week 7 football preview and predictions: Rain in the forecast, playoff picture taking shape
After an electric Week 6, Week 7 is here, and rain in the forecast could make things interesting.
Niceville hosts Godby for homecoming in a game that could go either way, with the Eagles likely needing a win for an at-large bid. South Walton travels to Walton, Destin visits Northview in a tossup and Fort Walton Beach heads to Navarre as it chases a Class 4A playoff spot.
Coming off a 9-0 week, we have picks for all nine games, plus the latest regional playoff picture and where Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Freeport stand.
BUSINESS
New Walmart Neighborhood Market in Crestview celebrates grand opening Wednesday
Crestview’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market at 1150 Industrial Drive celebrates its grand opening today with a free, daylong event from 8:25 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Crestview High School cheerleaders and brass section open at 8:25 a.m., followed by an 8:30 a.m. ribbon cutting with saxophonist Mike Phillips. The first 250 people in line get a $25 gift card. Recipients must be 18 or older with a valid ID, limit one per family.
Crestview-raised Olympic speed skater Mia Manganello holds a meet-and-greet at 2 p.m. Chefs Lillian Logan, Tim Crehan and James Briscione lead cooking demonstrations throughout the day, and WWE’s The Bella Twins meet fans at 4:45 p.m. Country-pop singer Niko Moon closes with a 6 p.m. concert.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Wednesday! Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Jared
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548