After Election Night – One Race Separated By Just 13 Votes

Election results are mostly in for Okaloosa County, with some close races still pending final counts. Sherri Cox is leading a tight race for District 3 County Commissioner, while incumbents Eric Aden and Paul Mixon secured decisive wins. Drew Palmer narrowly defeated Mary Anne Windes in District 5, and Parker Destin won a seat on the Okaloosa School Board.

Niceville Police: July Sees Very Low Crime Numbers

Interim Niceville Police Chief Rob Lovering announced to the city council that this would be his last as chief as the city nears its decision on a permanent replacement. Under Lovering’s leadership, the department has enhanced community relations, hosting events like a women’s self-defense class and a Scouting merit badge workshop. Despite a decrease in arrests, the department handled over 2,000 calls and 43 accidents in July, continuing a trend of high demand for police services.

Niceville Man Arrested For Sending Classified Eglin Documents Illegally

Paul J. Freeman, a 68-year-old resident of Niceville, has been indicted on charges of unauthorized possession and transmission of classified national defense information. The indictment alleges that Freeman shared sensitive information about U.S. Air Force aircraft and weapons with unauthorized individuals on multiple occasions between November 2020 and March 2021. If convicted, Freeman faces up to ten years in prison for each of the nine counts.

Slain Airman’s Mother Lays Blame At Okaloosa Sheriff’s Feet

In an emotionally charged NAACP town hall meeting, Chantemekki Fortson delivered a powerful speech condemning Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden’s handling of her son Roger’s fatal shooting by former deputy Eddie Duran. Fortson called for Aden’s defeat in the August primary election, citing a loss of trust and accountability. The town hall, attended by approximately 250 people, also featured updates on the ongoing investigation and discussions on broader issues like racial bias and Christian Nationalism.

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.