Deputies: Woman Arrested Years After Alleged Walmart Credit Card Fraud Spree
Deputies say a woman allegedly used another person’s credit cards during six transactions at two Okaloosa County Walmart locations.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Alleged Domestic Battery in Crestview
An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested after allegedly pushing the victim twice during a domestic incident at a Crestview home.
Niceville High Launches Future Ready Program for Teens
Niceville High’s Future Ready program, created by Allison Aiken, helps students learn real-world skills like finances, college prep, jobs, and stress management.
Deputies Arrest Driver Accused of DUI, Hit-and-Run, and Child Neglect on Okaloosa Island
A Destin traffic stop ended Saturday night with the arrest of 25-year-old Luis Montoya after deputies say he fled two hit-and-run crashes, drove intoxicated with a child onboard, and resisted officers, who were tracking him down using Flock camera data after a collision on Okaloosa Island.
Mayor Whitten Joins National Foreign Policy Summit
Crestview Mayor JB Whitten joined more than 30 mayors from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the Mayors Foreign Policy Summit, a two-day event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Whitten said the meetings with national policymakers and members of Congress offered valuable insight into how global issues directly affect Crestview and provided an opportunity to voice the city’s concerns at the federal level.
Scholarships Announced for Top Students in PR and Communications
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation will award several $1,000 scholarships to high-achieving seniors in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties who plan to pursue degrees in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism. Supported by local sponsors including Eglin Federal Credit Union and longtime PR professionals, the program continues the Foundation’s mission to grow the next generation of communicators along the Emerald Coast.
DeSantis Unveils Florida’s New “AI Bill of Rights” and Data Center Crackdown
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a sweeping proposal to establish an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” in Florida, setting new rules for how AI can be used by businesses, governments, and insurers. The plan also places strict limits on hyperscale data centers, aiming to protect residents from higher utility costs, safeguard water resources, and give local communities the power to reject major tech developments.
Choctawhatchee High Students Learn Real-World Budgeting at Reality Check Event
About 80 Choctawhatchee High School students stepped into the world of adulthood during the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation’s annual Reality Check event, a hands-on financial literacy simulation that challenged them to budget, prioritize expenses, and navigate real-life choices with the help of community partners.
Shocking Child Abuse Case in Fort Walton Beach
Deputies say a Fort Walton Beach–area woman intentionally burned the hands of two young children in her care and failed to seek medical help afterward. The 3- and 5-year-old victims were taken to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Hospital late Tuesday before being transferred to a specialized burn center in Mobile. The suspect, 52-year-old Jeny Soto Duenas, is now being held without bond at the Okaloosa County Jail.
Richbourg Lane to Close Thursday for Drainage Repairs
Drivers in Crestview can expect delays as the city announces a temporary road closure to allow crews to complete essential infrastructure work. The project, aimed at improving long-term traffic flow and public safety, will reroute vehicles through designated detours while repairs are underway. Officials urge residents to plan and allow extra travel time during the closure period.
