Walton County Jury Convicts Man of Sexual Battery on Yacht
A Walton County jury convicted Dr. Francis Nicoli Herrbold of sexual battery following a 2023 incident on a yacht at the Sandestin Marina; sentencing is scheduled for June 3.
Walton County Might Contribute Something to Okaloosa’s SS United States Reef Project. Here’s What They Want in Return:
Walton County is considering contributing $1 million to Okaloosa County’s artificial reef project involving the SS United States ship, but wants to opt out of a separate $1 million marketing contribution; discussions are ongoing with a decision expected in June.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Motocross Racer Haiden Deegan
Professional motocross racer Haiden Deegan was arrested in Walton County, Florida, for racing on a highway, later posting about the incident on social media.
SS United States Arrives in Mobile, Prepares for Artificial Reef Deployment
The SS United States has arrived in Mobile, Alabama, after a 1,800-mile tow from Philadelphia, marking the start of preparations for its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast, alongside a planned museum and visitor center.
FWC to Host Virtual Meeting on Potential Black Bear Hunting in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a virtual meeting on March 13 to gather public input on potential options for regulated black bear hunting in the state.
SS United States to Depart Philadelphia, Begin Transformation into Artificial Reef
The SS United States will depart Philadelphia on Feb. 17, 2025, for Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a year-long preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Once deployed off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, the reef will support marine life and boost diving and fishing tourism.
Florida Sets New Tourism Record with 142.9 Million Visitors in 2024
Florida broke its all-time tourism record in 2024, welcoming 142.9 million visitors, a 1.6% increase from the previous year, with growth in domestic, international, and Canadian travelers.
Range Road 213 now considered Closed Area
A section of Range Road 213 at Eglin Air Force Base is now a Closed Area, restricting public and recreational traffic to ensure security and safety. Only authorized personnel, including military and utility workers, may use the road. Enforcement measures include increased patrols, new signage, and potential fines for violations.
Jack Schlechter Appointed to First Judicial Circuit Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Jack Schlechter to the First Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by Judge Bergosh’s retirement. Schlechter has served as an Okaloosa County judge since 2022 and previously worked as a prosecutor and private attorney.
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.
The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
