Officer Gerard Bhagwatsingh believes in community policing — and he’s living it every day
Officer Gerard Bhagwatsingh is redefining what it means to serve and protect in Fort Walton Beach, using empathy, relationships, and consistency to transform community policing.
Fort Walton Beach council rejects removal of charter chair over alleged confrontation
A heated clash, physical accusations, and a narrow vote—see why Fort Walton Beach’s council is divided over this explosive incident.
PAWS Faces $750K Shortfall as Cities Cancel Contracts: “This Is Not Sustainable”
PAWS, Okaloosa County’s primary animal welfare provider, is facing a $750,000 deficit amid contract disputes with cities like Destin and Niceville, forcing tough decisions as animal intake costs soar.
Fort Walton Beach approves TrackMan golf upgrade to driving range, backed by user fees
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 5-1 to lease high-tech TrackMan golf equipment for the city’s driving range, a move officials say will modernize the facility, attract new users, and generate additional revenue — all without taxpayer burden.
New early Learning Center Coming to Fort Walton Beach’s Freedom Tech Center
A 16,000-square-foot childcare and early learning center, operated by Grow With Us Learning Academy, will open in 2026 at Fort Walton Beach’s Freedom Tech Center after the city council approved the development order.
Fort Walton Beach Council sets hearing after assault claim against Charter Chair
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a hearing on July 8 to decide whether to remove Charter Review Committee Chair Mike Minich after allegations from former Councilman Travis Smith that Minich shoved him following a recent meeting.
Fort Walton Beach sets property tax rate at 4.3282 Mills for 2025-26 Budget
Even though the Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 4-3 to keep the millage rate the same, residents should still expect to pay more in property taxes next year due to rising property values.
Fort Walton Beach named Thearon Shipman as next Fire Chief
Fort Walton Beach named Thearon Shipman as next Fire Chief Staff Reports June 25, 2025 10:00 am Fort Walton Beach In Brief: 🔥 Chief Morgan Retires – After 25 years of service, Chief Jeremy Morgan is stepping down from the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department. 👨🏽🚒 Historic Promotion – Deputy Chief Thearon Shipman will become […]
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club to host Sothern Juniors Tournament for first time
Fort Walton Beach Golf Club to host Sothern Juniors Tournament for first time Staff Reports June 25, 2025 9:47 am Uncategorized In Brief: 🏌️♂️ Junior Golf Comes to FWB – Fort Walton Beach Golf Club hosts the Southern Juniors tournament for the first time June 30–July 1. 🎯 Historic Youth Event – The 58-year-old event […]
Fort Walton Beach Barbershop Goes Viral for ‘Minecraft Haircut,’ Builds Community One Cut at a Time
Fort Walton Beach Barbershop Goes Viral for ‘Minecraft Haircut,’ Builds Community One Cut at a Time Collin Bestor June 24, 2025 4:00 pm Fort Walton Beach In Brief: 💈 A playful, accidental haircut resembling a Minecraft character brought millions of views and national attention to The Gryms Men barbershop. 🐶 The shop is turning its […]
