Generations United Church Opens Niceville’s First Cold Night Shelter to Protect Families and Seniors During Winter Weather

Generations United Church in Niceville is opening the city’s first Cold Night Emergency Shelter to protect families and elderly residents during freezing weather. The shelter, located at 108 Highway 85 N, will open on nights below 41°F and provide meals, beds, and essential support to those in need.
Bishop Wack Addresses Immigration in Letter to Diocese

Bishop William A. Wack of the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee released a letter urging parishioners to reflect on immigration policies, family separation, and the impact on children, guided by Catholic teaching during Respect Life Month.
Texas Parents Arrested After Leaving Baby Alone on Walton County Beach for Nearly an Hour

Two parents visiting from Houston were arrested in Walton County after deputies say they left their six-month-old baby alone under a beach tent for nearly an hour while walking with their other children on Miramar Beach.
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.
LiveOak Fiber, Fort Walton Beach Chamber Team Up to Support Military Families During Shutdown

LiveOak Fiber and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce are providing 10,000 pounds of groceries to military families at Hurlburt Field on October 15, 2025, amid the federal government shutdown. Eligible DoD-affiliated families can pick up food in a drive-through distribution.
Shrimp Basket Cook Checks on Regular, Saves His Life in Pensacola

When a longtime Shrimp Basket regular didn’t show up for his usual visit, cook Donell decided to check on him — a decision that likely saved the man’s life. His quick action and compassion have drawn praise across social media and from the Pensacola community.
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.”