Riptide CardCon Brings 210+ Vendors to Fort Walton Beach
Riptide CardCon is bringing more than 210 vendor tables to Fort Walton Beach on October 18. The free event at the Rigdon Center will feature Pokémon TCG, sports cards, memorabilia, local shops and food trucks. Founded by an Air Force veteran, the show will connect collectors, vendors and hobbyists across the Emerald Coast.
Christmas Lights, Music and Magic Return to Niceville for 10th Annual Show
Niceville’s “Tune In To Troon” Christmas Lightshow is celebrating its 10th year with a free nightly display of synchronized Christmas lights, music and animated features. The Bluewater Bay attraction runs from December 5 through January 6 at 1074 Troon Drive E, with shows beginning every evening at 6 p.m.
Today on 30A
Although school is back in full gear, high season continues with visitors along the Emerald Coast. Temperatures continue to be high, and everyone is looking for some shade. Stay hydrated and have a great weekend. -Steven Photo credit: Steven Saul. Related
A Rite of Passage: Eglin’s New Senior NCOs Complete Forge Week
Eglin Air Force Base’s newest senior NCOs completed Forge Week, a week-long professional development course focused on leadership. The technical sergeants faced a field training exercise before participating in a senior NCO induction ceremony the following day, marking an important milestone as they stepped into greater enlisted leadership responsibilities.
Mark Franks Rises to Top Leadership Post at Florida League of Cities
Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks has been elected president of the Florida League of Cities for the 2026-2027 term. The lifelong Okaloosa County resident will lead the statewide organization’s advocacy and member engagement efforts while representing the interests of Florida’s municipalities and promoting local decision-making throughout his one-year term.
CHELCO Golf Tournament Scores Big for Local Children, Raises Nearly $18,000
CHELCO’s 2026 Charity Golf Tournament raised a record $17,946.27 for three Northwest Florida nonprofits serving children and families. The event drew 30 teams and 35 sponsors to Eagle Springs Golf and Recreation Center in DeFuniak Springs. Since 2021, the tournament has raised more than $75,000 for local organizations.
Antonio Haner Identified in Deadly Crestview Deputy-Involved Shooting
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has identified Antonio Austin Haner, 29, as the man killed during an August 8 encounter on Alabama Street in Crestview. Authorities say Haner opened fire on deputies, striking law enforcement assets and nearby properties. No deputies were injured. FDLE is conducting an independent investigation.
Fort Walton Beach Streets Get a Makeover as Resurfacing Work Begins
Five Fort Walton Beach streets are scheduled for resurfacing beginning Aug. 10. Work is expected to take one to two days at each location and will generally occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents are asked to remove vehicles and other obstructions from the work areas during construction.
Eglin Fighter Jets Set for Training Flights Aug. 4-6
Residents near Eglin Air Force Base may hear fighter aircraft overhead during nighttime hours Aug. 4-6. The 60th Fighter Squadron will conduct training missions between 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Eglin officials said the nighttime flights are required for training operations and may result in increased aircraft noise.
Former Okaloosa deputy charged in airman’s murder seeks dismissal
The court recessed until August 4 after a day-long hearing concerning a motion to dismiss the murder case against former Okaloosa Deputy Eddie Duran. The hearing featured emotional testimony from Fortson’s girlfriend, Tatyiana Hendricks, alongside medical examiner findings and statements from Fortson’s neighbors and friends regarding the events in May 2024.
