Niceville police will be authorized to carry out ICE actions under federal agreement
Niceville police officers will be authorized to perform certain immigration enforcement functions after the City Council unanimously approved joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The agreement allows participating officers to carry out designated federal immigration duties under ICE supervision. The city has not yet detailed how the program could affect local enforcement.
Photo gallery | Scenes from the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias
Staff photographer Casey Drayer shares photos from the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias and cleanup efforts around Okaloosa County.
DeSantis holds press conference in Destin; confirms 2 hurricane-related deaths
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed two hurricane-related deaths during a press conference on Okaloosa Island. Crews are clearing debris, restoring power to hundreds of thousands of customers and preparing for potential flooding. State officials also outlined insurance assistance and recovery resources for hurricane-damaged businesses.
Hurricane Isaias | So you’ve been ordered to evacuate— Now what?
Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle Friday. Here’s what Okaloosa County residents need to know about evacuations, shelters, safety and recovery resources.
Destin Home Invasion Investigation Intensifies as OCSO Searches for Milton Woman
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported home invasion robbery at a Destin apartment early Friday morning. Two armed men reportedly entered the residence and attempted to rob the occupants. Investigators are seeking Taylor Nicole Robinson, 28, who left the scene, to confirm her safety and well-being.
Santa Rosa County Inmate Sentenced to 15 Years for Deadly Prison Chokehold
On September 1, 2026, a Santa Rosa County jury found Tavis E. Williams guilty of Manslaughter. Santa Rosa Circuit Court Judge Clifton Drake immediately sentenced Williams to the maximum sentence of fifteen years in state prison. Williams was sentenced as a Prison Releasee Reoffender and is not eligible for gain time or any form of […]
FWB Felon Arrested With Gun and Suspected Marijuana.
Fort Walton Beach Police *reportedly* arrested a man for weapons violations, claiming he displayed a gun and possessed “suspected” drugs.
Fort Walton Beach Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth, Cocaine, and Fentanyl
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A 40-year-old Fort Walton Beach man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. Elliot Maurice Bell was sentenced Wednesday, Sept. 2, following […]
Okaloosa County to remove all Flock cameras after FDOT memo
Okaloosa County will remove Flock license plate recognition cameras from state and county roads after FDOT revoked local law enforcement permits for LPR technology. The order cites concerns over misuse, data privacy and surveillance. Sheriff Eric Aden said the removal is disappointing from a public safety standpoint.
Lengthy Prison Sentence for Jay Man in Case Involving 8-Year-Old Victim
Kyle Wesley Allen Stover was sentenced to 40 years in state prison followed by lifetime sex offender probation after convictions for multiple offenses involving an 8-year-old child. Judge Clifton Drake also designated Stover as a Sexual Predator. The offenses occurred at a home in Jay between December 2023 and September 2024.
