Documents: Fired Deputy Who Shot and Killed Hurlburt Field Airman Disciplined in 2021, turned in resignation days before shooting.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has terminated Deputy Eddie Duran following an internal affairs investigation into the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3. The investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable, violating agency policy. Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized the incident should never have occurred and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to fairness, professionalism, and transparency.

Bears Watch Runners Finish Eglin Gate to Gate

The annual Eglin Air Force Base Memorial Day race welcomed some unexpected spectators this year: a momma bear and her three cubs, who observed the event from a tree. Despite the bears’ presence, roughly 700 participants completed the 4.4-mile run, organized by Eglin’s Force Support Squadron, which honored fallen service members. The event, initiated 37 years ago by General Gordon Fornell, featured a challenging course and a strong sense of community and remembrance.

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.