250 Laptops Bring Opportunity to Emerald Coast

Derrick Brooks Charities, AT&T, and Compudopt gave 250 laptops to Emerald Coast kids and families to help bridge the digital divide.
With Walls’ Execution, Northwest Florida Confronts Its Serial Killer Past

As Frank Walls is executed today, Northwest Florida reflects on how many serial killers have impacted the region over the last 50 years.
Hope in the Cold: How Local Leaders Protect the Unhoused

When winter temperatures drop below 40 degrees in Fort Walton Beach, a coordinated effort between One Hopeful Place and the Fort Walton Beach Police Department springs into action to protect people experiencing homelessness from dangerous conditions.
Walton County Sheriff rebukes Kyle Rittenhouse’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ claims in DeFuniak Springs shooting

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is pushing back hard after Kyle Rittenhouse claimed a DeFuniak Springs shooting was lawful self-defense. Sheriff Michael Adkinson says the victim was unarmed on his own property and calls the commentary “wildly irresponsible.”
Walton County has the area’s highest opioid deaths. Here’s how officials will try to reduce fatal overdoses:

Walton County’s opioid death numbers are much higher than Bay or Okaloosa’s after you account for population. Officials have a plan to start turning the tide on the issue.
What is Westonwood Ranch?

In today’s world, almost everyone knows a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor who has a ‘loved one’ impacted by IDD. On this Daytripper journey, Mid Bay News met Lindy Wood, who is the Founder and Director of Westonwood Ranch. Just as the natural beauty and heart of this thriving and robust community, there is a vision that rests in the heart of a mother (Lindy Wood), determined to see the “individual participant” find greater independence and live to their highest potential.
COVID Beach Shutdowns to Cost Walton County Big

A federal appeals court has ruled that Walton County violated the constitutional rights of private beach owners by barring them from their own beachfronts during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The Eleventh Circuit ruled that the county’s 2020 emergency ordinance amounted to a “textbook physical taking,” clearing the way for landowners to seek compensation and legal fees.
AirHeart 1 Heroes Honored With Memorial By South Walton Fire District

As the sound of “Amazing Grace” drifted across the Choctawhatchee Bay, the South Walton Fire District gathered at Thomas Pilcher Park to dedicate the new “Heroes Remembered” monument honoring the three AirHeart 1 crew members who died during a 2004 medical transport mission. Family, friends, and firefighters reflected on the sacrifice of Jack Chase, Tom Palcic, and Robert Heighton at the very site where rescue crews once searched for the fallen team.
Get Ready to Take Your Best Shot at the Cadet Post 850 Turkey Shoot Classic

Cadet Post 850 is gearing up for its annual Turkey Shoot Classic on November 22 at the WCSO firing range, offering a morning of friendly competition, prizes, raffles, and great food for community members of all skill levels.
Fort Lauderdale Man Arrested in $505,000 Walton County Utility Check Fraud

A Fort Lauderdale man, Brandon Loud, has been arrested in Walton County for depositing a $505,400 fraudulent check from a utility company, with investigators uncovering additional stolen checks totaling $200,000.