Pedestrian dies in car crash
NICEVILLE — A Niceville woman died after she was hit by a car while crossing John Sims Parkway on Saturday evening. At about 6:15 p.m., Sabrina L’Orange crossed the road near the Turkey Creek Bridge,...
View ArticleFifth-grader finds time for everything
Juggling schoolwork, learning the trumpet and playing sports isn’t always easy for 10-year-old Alex Velazquez, but he makes do. “You just have to think about one at a time,” Alex says. The...
View ArticleFor the young and the young at heart (PHOTOS)
FORT WALTON BEACH — In a vacant storefront in Uptown Station, 72-year-old Ray Follacchio is trying to keep an old tradition alive. The hobby of building model railroads has been around for more than...
View ArticleMaking a Difference: He shares, because he cares
FORT WALTON BEACH — If you ever need to find Anthony Sawyer, chances are he’s working behind the scenes at Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach. He has been a dedicated volunteer at the tiny food...
View ArticleNo injuries in morning rollover wreck
DESTIN — A 29-year-old man was taken to an area hospital after his van rolled early Monday morning on Emerald Coast Parkway. The man, who’s identity has not been released, was driving westbound when...
View ArticleHomeless woman has pot in her purse
CRESTVIEW – A homeless woman was arrested after a Crestview Police officer found marijuana in her purse, according to an arrest report. The woman was apprehended on South Wilson Street on an...
View ArticleMan found 'impaired' in truck with engine running
CRESTVIEW – A man was arrested after lawmen found him and another man "impaired" in a vehicle that was in gear with the engine running, according to an arrest report. Crestview Police and Okaloosa...
View ArticleReport: Man told mom he had 'a bag of drugs'
CRESTVIEW – A man told his mother he had “a bag of drugs” in his possession when he was detained by Crestview Police on an outstanding warrant. The man, Bradley Marandell Simmons, 26, no address...
View ArticleIntoxicated man arrested for shooting at front door
MILTON — A 51-year-old man was arrested Sunday after firing a gun in a home while intoxicated, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest report. A witness told Santa Rosa County...
View ArticleWidow cherishes heart-shaped spud
SHALIMAR – Four months after being saved from the frying pan, Sally Colburn’s heart-shaped potato is showing signs of age. The small spud, discovered in a bag she bought with her husband before he...
View ArticleA photo that yelled 'Shark!'
While snapping photos of fellow surfers off of the Okaloosa Island Pier, Stephanie Lyons noticed their expressions suddenly change. "They were scared and pointing in the water," the Fort Walton Beach...
View ArticlePink princess bike brings tears of joy
FORT WALTON BEACH —This year, Jennifer Hunt believes in Christmas miracles. Thanks to Fresh Start for Children and Families, her 3-year-old daughter will get the one present she asked of Santa Claus:...
View ArticleBridge repaired after car collision
FORT WALTON BEACH — Aging Brooks Bridge took yet another body blow Saturday when a Toyota Camry sent concrete flying in a collision with the protective barrier at the western end of the structure....
View ArticleLocals shocked by Brooks Bridge announcement
Fort Walton Beach officials and the area’s Chamber of Commerce were left reeling Friday when the Florida Department of Transportation announced it had begun planning for the replacement of the...
View ArticleStore robbed at gunpoint: 'I'm sorry, Merry Christmas'
NAVARRE — Officials are looking for a woman who robbed a Tom Thumb at gun point Monday evening. The woman, described as Caucasian wearing a black cap, gloves and sunglasses, demanded cash from the...
View Article'We pretty much need a miracle'
FORT WALTON BEACH — Greg and Rita Robinson thought they'd planned for everything before having kids. They discussed their beliefs on child rearing and God. They spent the first few years of their...
View Article'I am responsible for cab driver hygiene'
Okaloosa County officials are updating the ordinance regulating taxi service at Northwest Florida Regional Airport. The law governs several aspects of the service, including the dress and grooming of...
View ArticleState releases final audit of Okaloosa government (DOCUMENT)
The final report on the state’s audit of the Okaloosa County government is now available on the county’s website. The State Auditor General’s team focused on departments that fall under the Okaloosa...
View Article'Please Save Christmas' plea
FORT WALTON BEACH — What began as a plea to help save the holidays is now a family asking for help just to survive. Kevin Litner created a gofundme.com account called “Please Save Christmas” in the...
View Article'Layaway angels' spread holiday happiness
FORT WALTON BEACH — Every year around Christmastime, the employees of Kmart get to witness something remarkable. As the days creep closer to Dec. 25, they get phone calls and visits from people not...
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