Eddie Duran found not guilty in Airman killing; spectators protest
A jury found former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran not guilty of manslaughter in the 2024 fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Following the unanimous verdict, spectators gathered outside the Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension to protest. Local advocates criticized the jury selection and the evidence presented during the trial.
LIVE UPDATES: Jury deliberating in Eddie Duran manslaughter trial
The manslaughter trial of former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran began with opening statements, witness testimony and bodycam footage from the 2024 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Prosecutors presented evidence about the events leading up to the shooting, while the defense maintains Duran acted in self-defense.
Commissioner Goodwin updates the public on controversial Hollywood Boulevard speed cameras
Commissioner Trey Goodwin gave an update on the speed cameras on Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. He covered why they’re still up, what their status is – and his goals for people who were issued a ticket.
Crestview Olympic Medalist Mia Manganello talks post-racing career at Wal Mart Grand Opening
Two-time Olympic medalist speed skater Mia Manganello returned home to Crestview for Walmart’s grand opening, reflecting on how her community and Walmart supported her athletic dream. Now, Manganello is giving back through hospitality and volunteer work while advising aspiring young athletes to dream big and build strong local support networks.
Donalds talks property taxes, data centers, and law enforcement at Fort Walton Beach stop
At an Okaloosa County campaign rally, Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds presented his vision for affordability, property taxes, and public safety while navigating his relationship with national politics.
Petition of man convicted of 2022 Niceville murder fails
One of the men convicted in a 2022 Niceville double homicide failed in his attempt to appeal his conviction through a motion for post-conviction relief. Isaiah Lamar Luna, 23, filed the motion from Graceville Correctional Facility following his conviction for third-degree felony murder with a firearm.
Meet Judy Forrester: A Niceville Good Neighbor
Judy Forrester has spent the past five years helping the Niceville Senior Center grow while building lasting relationships with its members and volunteers. Her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to going above and beyond earned her the September Ryan Cabaniss Niceville Good Neighbor Award.
Bluewater Bay MSBU returns with new members after hiatus
After a three-month hiatus, Bluewater Bay’s Municipal Services Benefit Unit is back in operation with three new board members. The MSBU is planning public workshops, a town hall and pedestrian safety improvements while focusing on transparency, community input and landscaping projects throughout Bluewater Bay.
Trial of former deputy charged in the killing of Hurlburt airman may start Monday. This is what’s happened so far:
The manslaughter trial of former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran is expected to begin following two years of legal delays, procedural motions, and emotional testimony. Duran faces charges in the fatal May 2024 shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson inside Fortson’s Fort Walton Beach apartment.
Showdown on Hollywood: County orders Fort Walton Beach to rip down unpermitted speed cameras
A months-long title search determined two Fort Walton Beach school-zone speed cameras on Hollywood Boulevard were installed in Okaloosa County’s right of way without permits. County commissioners voted unanimously to order their removal within a week and authorized road transfer negotiations strictly conditioned on a permanent prohibition of speed-zone cameras
