Fort Walton Beach Councilmember accused of coercing jailed man into property sale; Jeter denies allegations

A Fort Walton Beach councilmember is at the center of a storm after being accused of pressuring a jailed man into signing away his home β but he says the allegations are β100% false.β
Suspect arrested after Plew Elementary goes in lockdown, no injuries reported

Police arrested a fugitive who jumped Plew Elementaryβs fence Wednesday, triggering a brief campus lockdown.
Advanced Sacred Hope Academy Expands to New Fort Walton Beach Campus

Advanced Sacred Hope Academy in Fort Walton Beach is opening a larger campus this fall to serve 75 autistic and neurodiverse students and is seeking community sponsorships for classrooms and a sensory-friendly playground.
Local Firefighters Prep for 9/11 Memorial Fundraiser

Residents and first responders will gather in Panama City Beach on Sept. 6 for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, honoring the fallen of Sept. 11 while raising funds for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Okaloosa County approves $730K surtax request for new upgrades

Okaloosa County is fast-tracking long-awaited road and sidewalk upgrades β thanks to nearly $730,000 in local surtax funding.
Okaloosa County approves $700K contracts for artificial reef vessels

Okaloosa County is turning two old vessels into underwater havens for fish, divers, and anglersβhereβs how the $700,000 project is making waves in the Gulf.
Okaloosa County approves $824K PAWS contract, considers in-house animal control

Okaloosa County secures another year of animal control services with PAWS β but commissioners are already planning for a future where the county takes the reins.
Okaloosa County fish aggregating device project faces $41K tariff hurdle

Okaloosa County added a $41,760 tariff contingency to its offshore reef buoy contract, ensuring the fish aggregating device program stays on track despite trade policy uncertainty.
Crestview standoff ends in fatal police shooting on Ferdon Boulevard

A Crestview police standoff ended in an officer-involved shooting that killed an armed man who pointed a firearm at officers.
Okaloosa County eyes $824K contract with PAWS for animal control services

Okaloosa County could approve a higher-priced, one-year animal control contract with PAWS to maintain services for unincorporated areas starting September 1.