A Remarkable Community Gift Is Changing Lives in Local Classrooms

The Fort Walton Beach Moose Lodge has donated more than $17,000 since 2022 to help eliminate student lunch debt at Okaloosa County elementary schools.
Quick Police Response Brings Relief in Fort Walton Beach Silver Alert

An endangered adult was safely located in Fort Walton Beach after a Silver Alert and a coordinated response by police and the community.
Inside Okaloosa County’s plans for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center

Okaloosa County officials hope that with a little bit of time and effort now, the fairgrounds will be a place families can enjoy for decades to come.
Rapid Police Action Ends Scary School Lockdown After Gunfire Report

Police arrested a suspect without incident after reports of gunfire near a Fort Walton Beach school prompted a rapid lockdown and response.
Fort Walton Beach Police Open Doors with Citizens’ Police Academy

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department is launching its next Citizens’ Police Academy on Feb. 5, offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at policing.
Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings

Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings Staff Reports December 16, 2025 5:24 pm Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: Deputies responded to a shooting on Fenwick Drive, where multiple rounds were fired at a pedestrian who was not located. Several nearby homes and properties were struck by gunfire during the incident. […]
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.
Fort Walton Beach Growth Management Director Brings Three-Decade Family Christmas Village Tradition to Life at City Hall

Fort Walton Beach Growth Management Director Tim Gibson and his family have brought their decades-old Christmas village tradition to City Hall, unveiling an intricate display featuring more than 1,000 buildings, figurines, handmade pieces, and a working train. The public can explore the festive miniature world — complete with hidden surprises — through the end of the year.
Fort Walton Beach City Council approves rec center expansion, ballot amendment wording and representation changes

Busy night for Fort Walton Beach’s City Council 🏙️ — leaders approved a $7.5 million recreation complex expansion, agreed to study a new form of city government, and advanced charter amendments toward the 2026 ballot. Here’s what it all means for residents 👇
Two People Shot at Fort Walton Beach Days Inn

Fort Walton Beach Police arrested a suspect after two people were shot and injured late Monday night at the Days Inn on Miracle Strip Parkway. Officers say the shooting was an isolated incident and that both victims are in stable condition.