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 โhazardousโ is getting a quick safety makeover โ hereโs whatโs 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 โplainly audibleโ 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: ๐๏ธ City Council votes 7-0 to seek historic designation for Chester Pruitt Park. ๐ฎ Honors Chester Pruitt, the cityโs first Black police officer, and his groundbreaking service. ๐ Parkโs 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.
Fort Walton Beach man arrested for tampering with power infrastructure, causing overnight outage

A cold beer can and forensic science led police to the man behind a power outage that left thousands in the dark last September.
Fort Walton Beach reminds drivers of school zone speed cameras ahead of Aug. 11 return

As students return to class on August 11, Fort Walton Beach is reminding drivers that photo speed enforcement cameras will be active in school zones throughout the city, with $100 citations issued for vehicles traveling more than 10 mph over the posted limit.