The local desk · Okaloosa County
We read the county, the cities and the outlets that cover them, then brief it in our own words with a link to everyone who reported it. Updated every hour.
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Fort Walton Beach police released redacted video of the October 14 call on Miracle Strip Parkway SW, where Detective Collin Savoie, himself an Army veteran, stood feet from a man holding a rifle and talked him into a peaceful surrender. Savoie will receive the Medal of Valor and the Life Saving Award on November 17.
Several swimmers from Navarre, Pace and Milton qualified for the regional competition after competing at the District 1-3A meet Thursday at Frank Brown Park in Panama City. The regional meet is scheduled for Tuesday in Gainesville.
The Freeport high school football team defeated Destin 35-34 in week 10 play, improving to 5-4 overall. The Bulldogs will host Pensacola on October 30.
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Local historian and ghost tour guide Bert Moore will share eerie tales and mysterious accounts at a free event Tuesday at the Niceville Community Center. The presentation blurs the line between documented history and folklore from the region.
A lawsuit filed by Brian Littrell and his wife against a neighbor over trespassing and alleged stalking on their Santa Rosa Beach property continues through the courts, with a judge set to hear arguments in early December on whether to dismiss the stalking charge. The case centers on conflicting claims about where private property rights end and public beach access begins under Florida law.
Pink Pirates, a nonprofit focused on breast cancer awareness, held its annual 5K fundraiser on Navarre Beach on Oct. 17, proceeding despite hurricane concerns the previous week. The event raises money to provide mammograms to uninsured and underinsured residents.
Direct from the source
Niceville's annual A Very Niceville Christmas celebration takes over the Municipal Complex on December 12th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring hayrides, pony rides, food vendors, craft booths and hot cocoa. The Children's Park will simultaneously host Santa in the Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Crestview's swim team qualified 14 athletes for the regional meet following the District Championship competition in Panama City Beach, marking the largest number of regional qualifiers in program history.
Direct from the source
Fort Walton Beach Police Detective Collin Savoie will receive the Medal of Valor and Life Saving Award for de-escalating an October 14 incident involving an armed veteran in mental health crisis. Savoie positioned himself feet from the man with a rifle, built rapport through their shared military service, and secured a peaceful surrender with no injuries.
The Destin Marlins defeated the Shoal River Mustangs 35-16 in the Okaloosa County Middle School Athletic Conference semifinals on Oct. 22, holding their opponents scoreless through the first half. Destin's defense forced multiple turnovers early, while quarterback Brantley Adams threw two touchdown passes in the victory.
A 38-year-old was taken into custody after authorities seized more than two pounds of methamphetamine that arrived at a local address through the mail in October. The Bay County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Postal Inspection Service tracked the package from the dark web, and the suspect fled on a motorcycle before being stopped and arrested.
Santa Rosa County launched a dedicated information line Friday to help residents with questions about storm debris removal across the county. The hotline operates daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will assist callers with proper debris placement, pickup scheduling, and reporting concerns as cleanup efforts continue over several weeks.