Proud Moment: Fort Walton Beach Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist
Fort Walton Beach High School senior Keira Foy has been named a Semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit®Scholarship Program. Foy is among more than 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide selected from more than 1.2million students who entered the competition by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT® in the fall of their junioryear. The Semifinalists represent less than one percent […]
FWB Felon Arrested With Gun and Suspected Marijuana.
Fort Walton Beach Police *reportedly* arrested a man for weapons violations, claiming he displayed a gun and possessed “suspected” drugs.
FWB revamps trash service, altering residential pickup schedules.
FWB Sanitation claims twice-weekly trash collection begins October 5, promising expanded service for residents.
Riptide CardCon Brings 210+ Vendors to Fort Walton Beach
Riptide CardCon is bringing more than 210 vendor tables to Fort Walton Beach on October 18. The free event at the Rigdon Center will feature Pokémon TCG, sports cards, memorabilia, local shops and food trucks. Founded by an Air Force veteran, the show will connect collectors, vendors and hobbyists across the Emerald Coast.
Fort Walton Beach Streets Get a Makeover as Resurfacing Work Begins
Five Fort Walton Beach streets are scheduled for resurfacing beginning Aug. 10. Work is expected to take one to two days at each location and will generally occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents are asked to remove vehicles and other obstructions from the work areas during construction.
Defense Makes Immunity Push as Judge Weighs Fate of Duran Murder Case
Former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran concluded his bid for Stand Your Ground immunity Wednesday as defense attorneys argued prosecutors failed to overcome evidence that the fatal shooting of Roger Fortson was legally justified. The judge ordered additional legal briefs before deciding whether the case will move forward.
Duran gives emotional testimony in Hurlburt airman murder dismissal hearing
Former Okaloosa County Deputy Eddie Duran took the stand during Day 2 of his dismissal hearing in the shooting death of Airman Roger Fortson. Defense experts testified that Duran’s use of deadly force was reasonable, while enhanced body-camera audio and questions about law enforcement tactics added new layers to the proceedings.
Former Okaloosa deputy charged in airman’s murder seeks dismissal
The court recessed until August 4 after a day-long hearing concerning a motion to dismiss the murder case against former Okaloosa Deputy Eddie Duran. The hearing featured emotional testimony from Fortson’s girlfriend, Tatyiana Hendricks, alongside medical examiner findings and statements from Fortson’s neighbors and friends regarding the events in May 2024.
Fatal DUI Crash Ends in Conviction Nearly Three Years Later
A jury has convicted Benjamin David Raser of DUI Manslaughter and DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury in connection with a 2023 Fort Walton Beach crash that killed Demetrius Thomas and left Garrett LeBlanc permanently disabled. Prosecutors say Raser was speeding and had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.
Don’t Throw It Away Yet: Free Pickup Returns to Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach residents will have two opportunities to clean up their homes this August through free bulky-item pickup and a one-day tire collection event. The city is encouraging residents to take advantage of the annual programs to safely dispose of unwanted household items and old tires.
