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.
Twenty-six restaurants across Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview and surrounding areas earned perfect scores during state health inspections the week of Aug. 17-23, though some establishments faced high-priority violations including improper food storage and temperature control issues. The inspections represent routine oversight by Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
School Board Chairman Linda Evanchyk secured a third term in District 3, defeating challenger Mitch Reed with 51.48% of the vote. In District 5, appointed member Brett Hinely won his first election, capturing 59.45% against Cynthia West, earning a full four-year term.
Direct from the source
The Fort Walton Beach Golf Club has begun laying TifEagle grass sprigs across all greens on its Pines Course after removing old sod and preparing the base. The course will remain closed to play until September 1 to allow the grass to mature and enable staff to complete additional improvements including fairway redefinition and tee box work.
Direct from the source
Fort Walton Beach officials inaugurated a new fitness court and five pickleball courts at Ferry Park, with local police and fire department personnel demonstrating the equipment during the ceremony. The project is part of the National Fitness Campaign initiative.
Direct from the source
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department unveiled a 2025 Pierce Saber fire engine at Station 7 on Thursday, replacing a vehicle that served the city for a decade. The new engine was dedicated to retired Firefighter Calvin "P-Nut" Pina, who spent 32 years with the department before retiring in 2008.
Direct from the source
The city will collect large household items like furniture and appliances from residential curbs during August, with pickups scheduled on each customer's regular yard waste collection day. A separate free tire collection day is also available on August 28 for city residents who call ahead to schedule.
Direct from the source
The city presented its Key to the City to Lt. Col. James Tucker, a retired Army officer and former councilman who operated The Boat Marina for decades and helped establish Fort Walton Beach as an international sailing destination. Tucker, who served in Vietnam and commanded the Army's Florida Ranger Camp, also aided recovery efforts following Hurricanes Opal and Ivan.
Direct from the source
Antonio Austin Haner, 29, opened fire on sheriff's deputies executing a search warrant at his home Saturday morning, shooting at armored vehicles with a shotgun and rifle before being pinned by an armored vehicle and taken into custody. He died during transport for medical treatment; no deputies were injured, and investigators recovered multiple firearms and explosives from the residence.
Direct from the source
A storm drain replacement project on Jet Drive between Holmes Boulevard and Willard Road has extended beyond its original July 28 completion date. The contractor is now expected to finish the work and reopen the road by Wednesday, July 30, with motorists advised to use designated detours in the interim.
Direct from the source
The Friends of the Niceville Library will hold their annual book sale September 12th at the Community Center, featuring discounted books, baked goods, and a fill-a-bag deal in the final hour. A members-only presale runs the evening before, with all revenue supporting the library.
Direct from the source
Underground pipe work beneath Wright Parkway between Hollywood Boulevard and Fort Walton Beach High School will begin Wednesday instead of Tuesday, with completion expected Thursday. The contractor will seal cracks in stormwater pipes using injected sealant, with partial lane closures expected but both traffic directions remaining open.
Antonio Austin Haner died Saturday morning during a warrant execution at his Crestview home after firing weapons at sheriff's deputies, who deployed an armored vehicle but did not return fire, authorities said. The incident followed reports of Haner discharging firearms near Richbourg School, prompting a Risk Protection Order and search warrant.
Direct from the source
Fort Walton Beach and its police department received recognition from The Fire Watch, a nonprofit focused on preventing veteran suicide, after all city employees completed training to identify and support veterans in crisis. The city aims to expand the program to local businesses to eventually achieve a higher "Veterans Safe Community" designation.
Direct from the source
Students return to classes Aug. 11 as Fort Walton Beach and state highway safety officials remind drivers to reduce speed in school zones and watch for children walking, biking, and being dropped off. Authorities are asking motorists to allow extra travel time during the transition period.
Direct from the source
The City of Fort Walton Beach will begin resurfacing Alabama Avenue, Baggett Place, Kepner Drive, Linstew Drive, and Okaloosa Road on Monday, Aug. 10. Work at each location is expected to take one to two days, weather permitting, and residents must remove vehicles from work areas between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
A four-day undercover operation conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office with federal partners resulted in 10 arrests for internet solicitation of minors between July 22-25. The suspects allegedly used online platforms to arrange sexual encounters with children, with charges including computer solicitation, traveling to meet minors, and related felonies.
Direct from the source
The city is accepting nominations for the 2026 Ronald Stearns Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing residents who contribute meaningfully to the community. Interested parties can submit nominations through the city website.
Direct from the source
USTA Florida and the City of Fort Walton Beach will hold a "Rally on the Court" tournament Sept. 25-26 at the Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center, with proceeds benefiting the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Players of all skill levels can enter for $47 per person, a figure honoring the 47 children diagnosed with cancer daily in the U.S.
Direct from the source
The monthly Coffee with the City Manager event has been rescheduled to 10 a.m., moving from its previous time slot. The gathering takes place Thursday, August 6, at the Fort Walton Beach Public Library, offering residents an informal opportunity to discuss city issues with City Manager Jason Davis.
An Okaloosa County judge postponed his decision on whether to dismiss the murder charge against former Deputy Eddie Duran in the May 2024 fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson at a Fort Walton Beach apartment complex. The judge will rule after both sides submit closing arguments and proposed findings by Aug. 14, with trial currently scheduled for Sept. 28.
Direct from the source
The city proclaimed August 23, 2026, as Connie Schabowski Day following her selection as the 2026 Ronald Stearns Citizen of the Year Award winner. Schabowski was recognized for her weekly volunteer work at the city library and her service with a local charitable organization supporting residents in need.
County commissioners authorized legal action to declare a Colony Estates home on Alden Drive a public nuisance after years of complaints from neighbors about drug activity, trash accumulation and disruptive behavior. The property, currently in probate following the owner's death, has been the site of multiple arrests and prompted residents to spend thousands on security measures.
Direct from the source
Captain Sam Signer and Firefighter David Leonard of the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department rescued two large dogs from a smoke-filled home on Rainbow Drive on July 22 after extinguishing a carport fire. The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society presented both firefighters with Animal Lifesaving Awards this week for their efforts.
Direct from the source
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department is recruiting full-time and part-time dispatchers for 12-hour shifts, offering starting pay of $18.93 per hour for trainees and $20.36 once certified. Full-time positions include healthcare, dental coverage, retirement benefits and paid time off.
Direct from the source
Nearly 30 local businesses and organizations will gather at the Recreation Center on August 1 to distribute backpacks and school supplies to students in grades K-12 while offering tutoring resources, health screenings, and mentorship opportunities. The free event, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will also feature food, live music, and blood donation services with incentives for donors.
Okaloosa County and state health officials are investigating abnormal discoloration and odor in Cinco Bayou after residents reported the problem Sunday. Water samples show extremely low oxygen levels, and wildlife including fish, crabs and eels have been observed in distress; preliminary test results are expected by Wednesday.
A 24-year-old Mary Esther resident was taken into custody Sunday after leading Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputies on a 3.7-mile pursuit along U.S. Highway 98 in Destin, reaching speeds of 120 mph in 55 mph zones. The driver, Rojai Anthoneil Lawrence, faces charges of fleeing law enforcement with wanton disregard and reckless driving; no injuries were reported.
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners closed all county beaches Sunday due to life-threatening surf and currents, with double red flags posted to warn swimmers. Thunderstorms are also expected throughout the day, and officials urged beachgoers to seek shelter and avoid the water when lightning is within 10 miles.
Headlines and briefings are written by Emerald Coast Connected. Full articles remain with the publishers linked under each story.