Okaloosa Deputies Charge Teen With 16-Year-Old’s Drug Overdose Death

A 17-year-old from Fort Walton Beach has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after allegedly providing fentanyl-laced pills that led to the fatal overdose of a 16-year-old girl. Surveillance footage and phone data connected the suspect to the victim, resulting in his arrest by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

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.

Okaloosa County Holds Public Flood Vulnerability Meeting

Okaloosa County, in collaboration with Jacobs Engineering, will host the first public meeting for the Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning Project on Tuesday, July 30th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administrative Building Training Room. The event is open to all residents interested in learning about future flood mitigation efforts and the potential impacts of flood events on the community.

350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Welcomes New Commander

The 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing celebrated the arrival of its new commander during a change of command ceremony on July 9. Col. Josh Koslov, who has led the wing since 2022, handed over command to Col. Larry Fenner Jr. The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham highlighted the strategic importance of the wing in high-end warfighting. Under Koslov’s leadership, the wing saw significant developments, including the formation of new units and the execution of its first internal exercise, Rapid Raven 24-1. With extensive experience in electronic warfare, Col. Fenner is set to lead the wing to new heights.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place Recognized Nationally

For the fourth year in a row, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has earned a place on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals at the highest five-ribbon level. Based on nationwide online surveys, medical key performance indicators, and patient satisfaction data, this distinction highlights facilities that excel in providing exceptional care to mothers, newborns, and their families. Sacred Heart’s facilities have also participated in Florida’s first postpartum wristband initiative, renewed their Baby-Friendly designation, and house the only NICU serving Walton and Okaloosa counties. The Sacred Heart health system has also been named one of the top 15 health systems in the country for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI.

Construction Begins On Photo-luminescent Sidewalk

Okaloosa County officials and local leaders gathered at the entrance of John Beasley Park on Monday, July 8, 2024, to celebrate the commencement of construction for a new multi-use path spanning approximately 4 miles between Brooks Bridge and Marler (Destin) Bridge. This 12-foot-wide path will be constructed on the south side of U.S. Highway 98 and feature photoluminescent stone for nighttime illumination. Funded by tourism revenue and an FDOT grant, the project is set for completion by early 2025.

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.