Page 5 - Jay Odom News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

FORT WALTON BEACH — State Rep. Ray Sansom and state Sen. Don Gaetz were seated at the end of a long conference table, meeting as they often did with the Northwest Florida Daily News editorial board, when Sansom received the call notifying him that he had been designated to serve as Speaker of the House during the 2009-10 legislative sessions.  It was hard to tell, on that day in 2005, which of the two men was happier when Sansom shared the news. Gaetz and Sansom were friends and political allies before either attained state office. In 2000, after Sansom lost his first race for the Florid...

Developer Jay Odom seeks legislature's help to change Freeport alcohol sales ordinance © FILE PHOTO/DAILY NEWS Hammock Bay FREEPORT — Developer Jay Odom wants to bring a little taste of The Villages to Walton County, but to do so he's going to have to find a way around a city ordinance that restricts the sale of alcoholic beverages within 1,000 feet of a school. He has suggested changing two state laws to accomplish his goal, and enlisted the assistance of Walton County State Rep. Brad Drake to help him move a local bill through the Florida House. © FILE PHOTO/DAILY NEWS Jay Odom po...

The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department was assisted by the Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District and Okaloosa Island Fire Department.  Early detection of the fire and a quick response reportedly played a substantial role in mitigating damage to the business. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to a small section outside of the building and used a ladder to ensure the fire had not spread to the roof. 

*Editor's note: this story was updated to clarify that Eglin staff are still awaiting final approval of their impact report. FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel on Tuesday shared some great news for bicyclists, joggers and other pedestrians who want to safely travel along U.S. Highway 98 between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Ketchel said the county learned from Eglin Air Force Base officials last week that a document known as the final “Finding Of No Significant Impact” report has been drafted by staff and is awaiting signature. "We will take that docum...

OKALOOSA ISLAND — A local developer and a Niceville physician are teaming up to sponsor a free holiday dinner on Christmas Day for local active-duty military personnel who won't be able to go home for the holidays. Operation Holiday Cheer is sponsored by developer Jay Odom, whose projects include Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach, and the mixed-use residential Hammock Bay community in Freeport. Serving as a sponsor along with Odom is Dr. Garry Banks, a family medicine specialist practicing in Niceville.  The buffet dinner for troops is scheduled from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Aruba Ballroom...