Florida ethics panel dismisses complaint against Fort Walton Beach councilman Bryce Jeter
State ethics officials closed a complaint against Councilman Bryce Jeter, finding no legal basis to pursue an ethics case even as disputes over a jailed homeowner’s property sale remain contested.
Traffic Stop in Niceville Leads to Major Drug Arrest
A Niceville traffic stop led to the seizure of fentanyl, meth, and dozens of pills, resulting in the arrest of a 40-year-old man now held without bond.
Disturbing Arrest: Fort Walton Beach Man Accused of Lewd Act
A Fort Walton Beach man was arrested after deputies say he committed a lewd act in front of juvenile girls near David Street.
Unexpected K-9 Alert Leads to Shocking Trafficking Arrest
A traffic stop along Beal Parkway led to the arrest of a Navarre woman after deputies recovered nearly 40 grams of methamphetamine following a K-9 alert.
Hope Behind Bars: How Some in Okaloosa County are Igniting Change
Inside the Okaloosa County Jail, inmates in the Anchored program are choosing accountability, healing, and hope—addressing trauma and addiction to break the cycle for good.
Okaloosa County Corrections Earns Third State Accreditation
Okaloosa County’s Department of Corrections earned Florida Corrections Accreditation with 3rd Excelsior Status, marking continued excellence in correctional standards.
Deputies: Woman Arrested Years After Alleged Walmart Credit Card Fraud Spree
Deputies say a woman allegedly used another person’s credit cards during six transactions at two Okaloosa County Walmart locations.
Deputies Arrest Driver Accused of DUI, Hit-and-Run, and Child Neglect on Okaloosa Island
A Destin traffic stop ended Saturday night with the arrest of 25-year-old Luis Montoya after deputies say he fled two hit-and-run crashes, drove intoxicated with a child onboard, and resisted officers, who were tracking him down using Flock camera data after a collision on Okaloosa Island.
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.
‘I don’t want to get a call that my son is gone’: Family fears Okaloosa inmate’s health is spiraling
The family of 33-year-old Robert Riddle says he’s growing weaker every month inside the Okaloosa County Jail, where he has lived with severe sickle cell disease since 2024. Advocates argue that essential treatments have been withheld, while county officials maintain he is receiving appropriate care.
