Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2022 Shooting at Coasters

Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 30 Years for 2022 Shooting at Coasters Staff Reports October 22, 2025 11:32 am Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Michael Alan Ladson was convicted of attempted second-degree murder for a 2022 shooting at Coasters in Fort Walton Beach. Ladson fired a single shot at […]
Fort Walton Beach Police Respond to Reported Shots at White Wilson Medical Center

Fort Walton Beach police responded to White Wilson Medical Center after an 87-year-old man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot. He was transported to the hospital, and authorities say there is no ongoing threat.
Niceville Officer Accused of Using Police Databases to Target Fellow Cop

Niceville Officer Accused of Using Police Databases to Target Fellow Cop Staff Reports October 11, 2025 7:57 pm Crime, Niceville, Public Safety In Brief: 👮 Who: Officer Coty Hall, Niceville Police Department💻 What: Arrested for alleged misuse of law enforcement databases and harassment📅 When: Arrested on October 10, 2025; investigation ran from January to October […]
Convicted Felon Arrested in DeFuniak Springs During Narcotics and Stolen Gun Investigation

Walton County deputies arrested convicted felon Bobby Womack in DeFuniak Springs after discovering trafficking amounts of meth, cocaine, fentanyl, and a stolen firearm during a narcotics investigation at the Red Roof Inn.
Fort Walton Beach Woman Arrested on Prostitution Charge Following Undercover Investigation

Okaloosa County deputies arrested Suping Wu, 30, of New York, on a prostitution charge at a Fort Walton Beach spa following an undercover investigation prompted by tips from Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
DeSantis Awards Law Enforcement Bonuses; Program Has Now Reached 9,400 Recruits

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday that the state has awarded more than 9,400 law enforcement officers $5,000 recruitment bonuses since launching the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program in 2022.
At an event in Panama City, DeSantis presented checks to recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties, highlighting the state’s continued push to recruit, reward, and retain law enforcement officers.
Rotary Club of Destin Expands Public Rescue Tube Program Across Okaloosa County Beaches

“These tubes are already making a difference at Destin beach accesses,” said Rotary project co-chairs Dion Moniz and Wayne Bernheisel. “Now, we are excited to expand this proven program across more parts of Okaloosa County, making our beaches even safer for residents and visitors.”
Local Firefighters Prep for 9/11 Memorial Fundraiser

Residents and first responders will gather in Panama City Beach on Sept. 6 for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, honoring the fallen of Sept. 11 while raising funds for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
What In The World Is Happening At Valparaiso Fire Department?

Firefighters allege at least five uses of the n-word by their new chief in less than a month. Unionization and allegations of retaliation. Can Val-p right the ship?
Niceville Names New Fire Chief

The City of Niceville introduces Alex Kukulus as its new fire chief, with a public ceremony scheduled for July 11 to mark the leadership transition.