Okaloosa Deputies Charge Teen With 16-Year-Old’s Drug Overdose Death

A 17-year-old from Fort Walton Beach has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after allegedly providing fentanyl-laced pills that led to the fatal overdose of a 16-year-old girl. Surveillance footage and phone data connected the suspect to the victim, resulting in his arrest by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Motorcycle-Mounted Camera Clears Name of Deputy Arrested for Reckless Driving

All charges against former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Dylan Gentry have been dismissed after video evidence disproved allegations of reckless driving, racing, and felony tampering. Gentry, who was terminated from the Sheriff’s Office following his arrest, is now looking to restore his personal and professional reputation.

Commissioner Calls Out Tax Break: A Race To The Bottom?

Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles cast the sole dissenting vote against placing a referendum on the November ballot to extend a tax exemption for qualifying companies. Boyles, who originally supported the measure a decade ago, now argues the tax creates unfair competition, offers minimal benefit, and incurs high compliance costs. Despite his concerns, the referendum was approved, with proponents arguing that the exemption has attracted significant investment and job creation to the county.

ALICE In Wonderland: The Hidden Struggle for Survival in Niceville

Luis Torres, a Niceville Walmart employee and father, embodies the struggles of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, facing challenges with childcare and housing. High childcare costs and restrictive housing options push many working-class families like his to the brink of financial instability. Local leaders, including City Manager David Deitch, are exploring solutions to alleviate these burdens, such as increasing affordable housing inventory and advocating for policy changes to support these families.

Two FWB Vikings Stars Defect To Niceville For Football Season

Niceville Football Recruiting Page announced that Fort Walton Beach High School’s star players, Eddie Love, Jr. and Johnny Lewis, Jr., are transferring to Niceville for their final season. Love, committed to East Carolina University, had a standout season with over 1,300 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, while Lewis, with scholarship offers from Keiser University and Southeastern University, has nearly 2,000 passing yards over two seasons. The story awaits comments from key school officials.

Mid Bay News

A drone view of the activity on Boggy Bayou before the annual fireworks festival put on every year by the cities of Niceville  and Valparaiso.