It took less than two hours of deliberation for a Fort Walton Beach jury to find former Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran not guilty in connection with the 2024 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson.
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Flock cameras are coming down in Crestview, Okaloosa County
Both Crestview and Okaloosa County have canceled their contracts with Flock Safety and the cameras are in the process of being removed, according to the Crestview Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Name, Image and Likeness seminar to educate student-athletes and parents
“Name, Image & Likeness (NIL): What Every Student-Athlete and Parent Should Know” is a community seminar put on by the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association and the Equity Project Alliance that will join local experts from the world of professional sports, college athletics, finance and law Oct. 20 at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street. Doors and food service will open at 4:30 p.m. while the event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Bear hunt scheduled for December won’t include Okaloosa County
Another bear hunt is in the works for December.
Last year, a bear hunt was held in four specified hunting zones. The zones were within four of the seven Bear Management Units across the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which approved and regulated the hunt, approximately 52 black bears were harvested, or killed.
Byron Donalds talks affordability at FWB campaign event
One of the men vying to be the next governor of Florida stopped by Fort Walton Beach Wednesday, Sept. 30, to rally support and answer citizens’ questions.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican Party of Florida’s nominee, spent most of the campaign event focusing on affordability.

Shout Out!
As a member of the CHS Medical Academy, I, Sofia Bermudez, have helped grow the club’s outreach by working with my officer team and connecting with other schools, supporting efforts to teach CPR to students. We have been seen doing blood drives with our local one blood as well as teaching children CPR at Richburg Elementary and Davidson middle school. Being part of this initiative has allowed me to contribute to spreading life-saving knowledge and making a positive impact in my community. – Sofia B.
Shoutout to Annabelle Donuts
Last Sunday we went by after church to purchase some treats. A women and her children in front of us where ordering and the owner gave the women’s daughter a free order of donut holes. We ordered a few things including donut holes and he also gave us our donut hole order for free. We love and support Annabelle’s and the owner is always a pleasure and this was another wonderful reason we love them and you should too! 100/100 recommend.
Shoutout to Autism Pensacola 2025 Connecting The Pieces Gala
Autism Pensacola’s 19th Annual Connecting the Pieces Gala is Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Community Center. The event features a silent auction, music by the Dharma Beats, a walkabout menu-tasting provided by local chefs and restaurants, signature cocktails and a brief program. All proceeds of the Connecting the Pieces Gala support Autism Pensacola’s outreach efforts to serve children and families affected by autism in the local community.
Shoutout to Niceville Tutoring
I want to give a BIG thanks to Niceville Tutoring! They’re not just a tutoring service, they’re invested in helping our kids in North Okaloosa succeed. Plus, supporting local businesses like theirs is what makes our community thrive! Give them a follow on Facebook and show your support!
Shoutout to the Crestview Community
Too many to list, but the community of Crestview came together and adopted every resident for Christmas @ Shoal Creek Rehab. Thank you to all who made Christmas so magical for our residents
Shoutout to the Crestview Community!
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Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency approves $1.2 million budget

The Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency Board approved a $1.2 million budget for fiscal year 2027 at its Sept. 28 meeting.
The budget for fiscal year 2027, which goes into effect Oct. 1, marks a 77 percent increase from the previous year’s budget of $686,600. The CRA budget is part of the $101 million citywide budget, which was already approved by the City Council at the final budget hearing Sept. 21.
Florida Now

Hoboes prepare for district tournament
Laurel Hill’s volleyball team returned home after another rough 3-2 district loss to Central Sept. 24. The Hoboes had some time to shake off the dust and prepare to host Vernon last Tuesday, whom they swept 3-0.
Congrats to our Student and Athlete of the Week!
CAYA expands sports offerings with 7v7 football
The Crestview Area Youth Association is known for its broad participation in multiple sports. The organization is now branching out with the addition of 7v7 football starting in mid-January.
Name, Image and Likeness seminar to educate student-athletes and parents
“Name, Image & Likeness (NIL): What Every Student-Athlete and Parent Should Know” is a community seminar put on by the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association and the Equity Project Alliance that will join local experts from the world of professional sports, college athletics, finance and law Oct. 20 at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street. Doors and food service will open at 4:30 p.m. while the event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Bear hunt scheduled for December won’t include Okaloosa County
Another bear hunt is in the works for December.
Last year, a bear hunt was held in four specified hunting zones. The zones were within four of the seven Bear Management Units across the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which approved and regulated the hunt, approximately 52 black bears were harvested, or killed.
Name, Image and Likeness seminar to educate student-athletes and parents
“Name, Image & Likeness (NIL): What Every Student-Athlete and Parent Should Know” is a community seminar put on by the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association and the Equity Project Alliance that will join local experts from the world of professional sports, college athletics, finance and law Oct. 20 at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto Street. Doors and food service will open at 4:30 p.m. while the event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Bear hunt scheduled for December won’t include Okaloosa County
Another bear hunt is in the works for December.
Last year, a bear hunt was held in four specified hunting zones. The zones were within four of the seven Bear Management Units across the state. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which approved and regulated the hunt, approximately 52 black bears were harvested, or killed.


















