Crestview Police Department set to roll out AI-written body camera reports in 2026
Crestview police are moving closer to rolling out new AI-written summaries of body camera footage after approving a contract in December.
Cold Case Resolution After 53 Years: Debra Espey
Nearly 53 years later, Debra Espey’s 1973 death case is closed after the suspect, Dennis Murphy died. Family expresses relief and closure.
Okaloosa Investigators Uncover Juvenile Trafficking Linked to Social Media
Two Okaloosa County residents were arrested after investigators linked them to the sex trafficking of juvenile girls at local bars and through social media.
Fatal Shooting Under Investigation in Mary Esther
Deputies found a woman dead inside a Kanuha Drive home after a late-night 9-1-1 call. Investigators are working to determine what happened.
Largest Missing Child Operation in North Florida History
A U.S. Marshals-led operation recovered 43 critically missing children across North Florida, marking the region’s most successful child recovery effort.
Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings
Deputies Probe Possible Link Between Fort Walton Shootings Staff Reports December 16, 2025 5:24 pm Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: Deputies responded to a shooting on Fenwick Drive, where multiple rounds were fired at a pedestrian who was not located. Several nearby homes and properties were struck by gunfire during the incident. […]
Gunfire Erupts on Dates Avenue, Two Injured Inside Fort Walton Beach Home
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early morning shooting on Dates Avenue in Fort Walton Beach after unknown suspects fired multiple rounds into a home, injuring two people inside.
Destin Man Indicted on Federal Fraud, Identity Theft Charges
A Destin man has been federally indicted on fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, with a trial set for January 2026 in Pensacola.
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.
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.
