What is happening in Okaloosa County and along the Emerald Coast. Every story is briefed in our own words, with links to everyone who reported it.
Direct from the source
A telecommunications failure that knocked out incoming calls across Fort Walton Beach municipal operations Friday morning was repaired by midday. The outage had disabled phone lines at city hall, police, fire, and other departments, forcing residents to use email for inquiries.
Direct from the source
Mary Esther's Public Works team completed Azalea Park, featuring an ADA-accessible nature trail, a pavilion and furnishings built from reclaimed cypress wood, and hundreds of native plants. The project involved more than 70 volunteers and local organizations working alongside city crews to create the new community gathering space.
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Nate Smith and James Booth were sworn in as police officers for Fort Walton Beach, with Smith having served as a cadet since December and Booth bringing prior law enforcement experience and military service. Both officers have begun work in the department's Uniformed Patrol Division.
A man in his 70s died Friday afternoon after bystanders pulled him from the water near Destiny by the Sea, where single red flags warned of hazardous conditions. The man was found face-down near the sandbar in shallow water, and lifeguards attempted resuscitation for 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead on the beach; the exact cause of death remains undetermined.
Direct from the source
Investigators from multiple jurisdictions arrested a 39-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl after locating their vehicle in Destin on July 22, suspected of involvement in a burglary spree across several counties. A search of the vehicle recovered a stolen firearm, credit cards, gift cards and other property taken during the incidents.
County commissioners are questioning whether Okaloosa County should continue subsidizing school resource officers, arguing the school district's share of costs has shrunk since state safety funding began in 2019. The county has spent more than $25 million over seven years on the program, which was originally intended as a 50-50 partnership.
Direct from the source
Fort Walton Beach is gathering public feedback on two projects: a federally funded Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to reduce traffic crashes and serious injuries, and a proposed community park in the Combs Manor neighborhood. Residents can attend in-person meetings or submit comments online through February.
Direct from the source
The Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency will present three design options for a new welcome arch at Vandegriff Park during its June 17 citizens' meeting. The gateway structure, facing U.S. Highway 98, will include bollards to protect the pedestrian park from vehicle traffic.
Headlines and briefings are written by Emerald Coast Connected. Full articles remain with the publishers linked under each story.