Fort Walton Beach Councilmember accused of coercing jailed man into property sale; Jeter denies allegations

A Fort Walton Beach councilmember is at the center of a storm after being accused of pressuring a jailed man into signing away his home — but he says the allegations are “100% false.”
Advanced Sacred Hope Academy Expands to New Fort Walton Beach Campus

Advanced Sacred Hope Academy in Fort Walton Beach is opening a larger campus this fall to serve 75 autistic and neurodiverse students and is seeking community sponsorships for classrooms and a sensory-friendly playground.
Beal Parkway pipe failure disrupts traffic, strains public safety in Okaloosa County

A drainage pipe failure along Beal Parkway has upended traffic and stretched public safety thin.
Fort Walton Beach eyes voluntary state “DOGE” audit amid $8M budget gap

Fort Walton Beach is requesting a voluntary state DOGE audit while navigating an $8 million budget shortfall and working within new voter-imposed spending caps ahead of finalizing its 2025-26 budget.
Fort Walton Beach approves interlocal agreement with Okaloosa County for ‘Around the Mound’

A major plan to divert U.S. 98 traffic around downtown Fort Walton Beach just got a funding boost, and leaders say it could clear the cones from your commute in less than a decade.
Fort Walton Beach backs FDOT plan to curb crashes at First Street and Beal Parkway

A Fort Walton Beach intersection with more than triple the crashes considered “hazardous” is getting a quick safety makeover — here’s what’s changing for drivers.
Fort Walton Beach moves to ‘plainly audible’ noise ordinance, expands exemptions

Fort Walton Beach is turning down the volume on its old noise law, and turning up enforcement with a “plainly audible” rule police say will finally work.
Fort Walton Beach OKs $415K no-bid contract for new downtown parking lot

With downtown parking spots disappearing fast, Fort Walton Beach is skipping the bidding process to get a new lot built in record time.
Fort Walton Beach moves to protect Chester Pruitt Park with Florida Historic Designation

Fort Walton Beach moves to protect Chester Pruitt Park with Florida Historic Designation Staff Reports August 13, 2025 2:48 pm Uncategorized In Brief: 🏛️ City Council votes 7-0 to seek historic designation for Chester Pruitt Park. 👮 Honors Chester Pruitt, the city’s first Black police officer, and his groundbreaking service. 🎉 Park’s designation would protect […]
Fort Walton Beach man killed in US 98 crash; police seeking witnesses

Fort Walton Beach police are investigating a fatal crash on US 98 that killed bicyclist Jason Turpen, 45, and are asking the public for help.