Volunteers Help School District Prepare for First Week of School in Okaloosa County

A group of 90 volunteers from local organizations, including HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, contributed 540 hours to prepare nine Okaloosa County schools for the 2024-2025 academic year, focusing on classroom setup, maintenance, and landscaping.
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.
Family Attorney Demands Charges for Former Deputy Who Shot and Killed Roger Fortson

105 days after the shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson by now-fired Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran, Fortson’s family and attorney Ben Crump demand that State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden charge Duran.
Motorcycle-Mounted Camera Clears Name of Deputy Arrested for Reckless Driving

All charges against former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Dylan Gentry have been dismissed after video evidence disproved allegations of reckless driving, racing, and felony tampering. Gentry, who was terminated from the Sheriff’s Office following his arrest, is now looking to restore his personal and professional reputation.
Here’s How the New President Of NWFSC Gets Selected:

The search for a new president of Northwest Florida State College has begun, following the resignation of former president Devin Stephenson. The process, which involves input from the community and the guidance of the Myers McRae search firm, will focus on external candidates. Interim President Christine Kedroski has declined to seek the permanent position, with a new president expected to be appointed by January 2025. The college is hosting additional town halls and encourages public participation in the selection process.
Law Enforcement Nabs Two In Mobile Meth Lab Caper

A routine traffic stop in Niceville led to the arrest of two individuals and the discovery of an active meth lab inside their vehicle. Both suspects, with extensive criminal histories, face multiple drug-related charges.
Okaloosa County School District Will Pilot Virtual Reality In Classrooms

The Okaloosa County School Board has approved a pilot program to implement a Virtual Reality (VR) curriculum in three schools in collaboration with Prisms of Reality. This initiative aims to enhance the teaching and learning of Math and Science through innovative technology. Prisms of Reality’s Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) platform engages tactile, kinesthetic, and visual learners, offering real-world problem-solving experiences. While the program aims to bridge learning gaps and ignite interest in STEM subjects, it also raises concerns about increased screen time for students and the long-term effectiveness of VR in maintaining student engagement.
Fortson Family Attorney Demands Charges For Former Okaloosa Deputy Who Shot and Killed Hurlburt Airman

As the Fortson family awaits justice, will State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden heed Ben Crump’s call to charge the deputy involved in the controversial shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson?
Brother of Slain Hurlburt Airman Roger Fortson Shot and Killed in Atlanta

Tragedy strikes again for the Fortson family as the younger brother of a slain Hurlburt Field Airman is fatally shot in Georgia, amid a surge of teen violence in Atlanta.
Governor DeSantis Names Hinely to Replace Kelley on Okaloosa School Board

Governor Ron DeSantis appoints Brett Hinely to the Okaloosa County School Board, effective August 2, 2024, following Dr. Diane Kelley’s resignation.