BREAKING: Okaloosa Sheriff Release Call Logs, 9-1-1 Tapes From Airman Shooting Death
Mid Bay News received a heavily redacted police report and 911 call from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office regarding the May 3 shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The report, which lists four witnesses and two victims, provides a timeline from the initial domestic dispute call to the arrival of EMS and subsequent actions taken by law enforcement. The names of witnesses and a responding deputy were redacted, and the Sheriff’s Office placed the deputy involved on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Could This Move Spell the Beginning of the End of The Okaloosa Housing Crisis?
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to Eglin Air Force Base Commander General Jeffery Geraghty, seeking his support to acquire a 200-acre parcel currently serving as Eglin’s golf course. The county aims to use this land for affordable housing and commercial space in a community with a median home sale price of $450,000. This initiative follows a collaborative meeting in March between local government leaders and the Air Force to discuss potential land acquisitions.
Can You Hear ‘Em? Eglin Roars to Life for Night Flights.
The 58th Fighter Squadron will perform night flying operations over Eglin Air Force Base and surrounding areas on May 20-22 between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Night flying is an essential requirement for the 58th Fighter Squadron training operations. However, night operations could mean a couple of evenings littered with the roar of aircraft flying overhead for civilians.
We Got Into An Invite-Only Affordable Housing Summit In Niceville. This Is What We Learned About The Local Housing Crisis:
local government, developers, and industry leaders convened for a housing summit in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Hosted by OCHIP, WCHIP, and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the summit focused on affordable housing challenges and solutions. Discussions highlighted the impact of housing costs on residents’ quality of life and the collaborative efforts needed to address these issues.
These Unique Concrete Blocks Will Change The Shape of Okaloosa County’s Diving and Fishing Industries
Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico celebrates a significant expansion in its habitat thanks to a $1.26 million artificial reef project. Funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund, this initiative has not only created new underwater habitats but also promises to invigorate the region’s fishing and tourism industries.
Okaloosa County Gets Damage Recap After Storm
Residents of Okaloosa County were jolted awake early this morning as a powerful storm system unleashed its fury across the region. With winds reaching speeds of up to 70 mph and lightning illuminating the sky, the community found itself grappling with the aftermath of nature’s wrath.
Bodycam, Facetime Videos Allegedly Reveal What Happened When Okaloosa Deputy Shot and Killed Hurlburt Airman
The body camera footage delivered by Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden showed Senior Airman Roger Fortson answering the door with a pistol pointed at the ground, followed by the deputy shooting him multiple times. Fortson’s family, represented by attorney Ben Crump, also released video they say Fortson’s girlfriend filmed immediately after the incident.
With Adulthood on the Horizon – Parents of Children With Autism Prepare Non-Profit To Help Adults With Autism Live Well
Parents in Okaloosa County are spearheading the Ground Up Project, a non-profit initiative aimed at building a specialized facility for adults with Autism. This project seeks to provide full-time assistance and a centralized hub for services, addressing the lifelong needs of individuals on the Autism spectrum.”
Obituary: Dr. David Goetsch, A Pillar of the Niceville Community
Dr. David Goetsch was a pillar of the Niceville and Valparaiso Community.
Bluewater Elementary Teacher Publishes Book She Wrote in Fifth Grade!
Stephanie Lafitte, a second-grade teacher turned published author, shares her journey of rediscovering and publishing her childhood book “My Prize Puppy,” inspiring students and readers with the power of imagination and storytelling.
