Red Bay Grocery: 'This is a gathering place'
RED BAY — Along State Road 81 there’s just one little stop within miles of this small town in eastern Walton County. To locals, the shop is a necessity. To travelers, it’s a novelty that draws them in...
View ArticleLocal spending summer in Georgia with FSU’s Flying High Circus
For most college students, summer is a time to relax and perhaps make some extra money. But Thomas Vatter of Navarre ran away with the circus. Vatter can be seen six days a week at Callaway Gardens in...
View Article19-foot python breaks into Australian charity
CAIRNS, Australia (AP) — Australian police were mystified by a chaotic crime scene including a hole in the ceiling and a smelly pool of vomit-like liquid — until they found the culprit was a 5.7-meter...
View ArticleWater advisory lifted for Tom’s Bayou, Boggy Bayou
VALPARAISO - The Okaloosa County Health Department on Friday lifted its swimming advisory for Tom’s Bayou and Boggy Bayou along Bayshore Drive. Last week’s heavy rains caused manholes along the road...
View ArticleSingle-vehicle crash severs power pole
FORT WALTON BEACH - A single-vehicle crash on Perry Avenue early Friday severed a power pole, according to police. A witness told officers that a vehicle traveling east on Third Street sped through...
View ArticleHolmes Boulevard to close for sewer work
FORT WALTON BEACH - Holmes Boulevard will be closed until Friday to accommodate construction work and equipment used to combine existing sewer lines into one long force main. Fort Walton Beach and the...
View ArticleJurors: Zimmerman not guilty of 2nd-degree murder
SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman was cleared of all charges Saturday in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black teenager whose killing unleashed furious...
View ArticleNew book details Seaside’s history
Seaside and its evolution over the past 30 years are the focus of a new book by Washington, D.C., architect Dhiru A. Thadani. “Visions of Seaside: Foundation, Evolution, Imagination, Built &...
View ArticlePersistence pays off for young actor
Dawson Fletcher of Destin is having a pretty good year. After appearing on the hit CBS show “The Big Bang Theory” in March, Fletcher will hit the small screen again tonight on the newest episode of...
View ArticleSaving unwanted pets (GALLERY)
As Teddy and Katie snuggle against their caretaker Cece Allen, the difference between the two golden retrievers is stark. Before coming to Emerald Coast Golden Retriever Rescue, a thin, flea-ridden...
View ArticleWalmart visitors get tips on how to prepare for a hurricane (GALLERY)
NICEVILLE — With his feet hanging almost a foot above the pedals, 3-year-old Evan Wilkerson grinned as he turned the wheel of an Air Force fire truck. A few minutes later Evan’s father, Brandon...
View ArticleMan hurt after diving into shallow water
OKALOOSA ISLAND - A 53-year-old man was injured after he dove off a boat into shallow water under the Marler Bridge on Saturday afternoon, according to Okaloosa Island firefighters. The man was in...
View ArticleBridge inspections to slow traffic this week
CRESTVIEW - The Florida Department of Transportation will inspect several bridges in the area this week. Westbound motorists heading over the Shoal River on U.S. Highway 90 east of State Road 85 will...
View ArticleNashville firm donates bathtubs, toilet paper to Crestview Manor
CRESTVIEW— A local assisted living home’s residents needn’t worry about bathtubs and toilets. Mike Duffer, president and owner of Nashville-based Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co., surprised Crestview Manor’s...
View ArticleAttorneys continue to prepare for trial in 1985 killing
FORT WALTON BEACH — Attorneys are continuing to prepare for the trial of Mickey Lee Wilson, who is charged with premeditated murder in a killing more than 28 years ago. The 51-year-old Georgia man’s...
View Article'It's John Wayne time' at Choctaw Beach Fire Department
CHOCTAW BEACH — Firefighters Rich Allison and Dan Corcoran say they have the best assignment in Walton County. They get to watch the sun rise and set over Choctawhatchee Bay, they know the community...
View ArticleForensics helps propel teen to success
Four years ago, Ashley Anna Meyer decided to try something new at the recommendation of a teacher. Today, the Collegiate High School graduate credits that decision with helping her earn national...
View ArticleShade and quiet of Brooks Street makes it popular with runners
FORT WALTON BEACH — Gentle pattering interrupted the quiet of Brooks Street one evening last week as a trio of runners made their way down the road. Three-year-old Ruben Landavazo grinned and waved at...
View ArticleMan hits utility poles, used cars during Sunday accident
FORT WALTON BEACH — Officials are investigating a crash Sunday evening that caused thousands in damages and left one man in serious condition. Daryl Lee Stevens of Fort Walton Beach was driving a 1997...
View ArticleThree-car accident on I-10 causes thousands in damages
FREEPORT — A three-car accident Sunday night caused an estimated $15,000 in damages. Troy A. Yates, 47, of Seminole was driving eastbound on Interstate 10 near U.S. Highway 331 around 10:45 p.m. when...
View Article