What is happening in Okaloosa County and along the Emerald Coast. Every story is briefed in our own words, with links to everyone who reported it.
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The city will collect large household items like furniture and appliances from residential curbs during August, with pickups scheduled on each customer's regular yard waste collection day. A separate free tire collection day is also available on August 28 for city residents who call ahead to schedule.
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The city presented its Key to the City to Lt. Col. James Tucker, a retired Army officer and former councilman who operated The Boat Marina for decades and helped establish Fort Walton Beach as an international sailing destination. Tucker, who served in Vietnam and commanded the Army's Florida Ranger Camp, also aided recovery efforts following Hurricanes Opal and Ivan.
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Antonio Austin Haner, 29, opened fire on sheriff's deputies executing a search warrant at his home Saturday morning, shooting at armored vehicles with a shotgun and rifle before being pinned by an armored vehicle and taken into custody. He died during transport for medical treatment; no deputies were injured, and investigators recovered multiple firearms and explosives from the residence.
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A storm drain replacement project on Jet Drive between Holmes Boulevard and Willard Road has extended beyond its original July 28 completion date. The contractor is now expected to finish the work and reopen the road by Wednesday, July 30, with motorists advised to use designated detours in the interim.
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The Friends of the Niceville Library will hold their annual book sale September 12th at the Community Center, featuring discounted books, baked goods, and a fill-a-bag deal in the final hour. A members-only presale runs the evening before, with all revenue supporting the library.
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Underground pipe work beneath Wright Parkway between Hollywood Boulevard and Fort Walton Beach High School will begin Wednesday instead of Tuesday, with completion expected Thursday. The contractor will seal cracks in stormwater pipes using injected sealant, with partial lane closures expected but both traffic directions remaining open.
Antonio Austin Haner died Saturday morning during a warrant execution at his Crestview home after firing weapons at sheriff's deputies, who deployed an armored vehicle but did not return fire, authorities said. The incident followed reports of Haner discharging firearms near Richbourg School, prompting a Risk Protection Order and search warrant.
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Fort Walton Beach and its police department received recognition from The Fire Watch, a nonprofit focused on preventing veteran suicide, after all city employees completed training to identify and support veterans in crisis. The city aims to expand the program to local businesses to eventually achieve a higher "Veterans Safe Community" designation.
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Students return to classes Aug. 11 as Fort Walton Beach and state highway safety officials remind drivers to reduce speed in school zones and watch for children walking, biking, and being dropped off. Authorities are asking motorists to allow extra travel time during the transition period.
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The City of Fort Walton Beach will begin resurfacing Alabama Avenue, Baggett Place, Kepner Drive, Linstew Drive, and Okaloosa Road on Monday, Aug. 10. Work at each location is expected to take one to two days, weather permitting, and residents must remove vehicles from work areas between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
A four-day undercover operation conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office with federal partners resulted in 10 arrests for internet solicitation of minors between July 22-25. The suspects allegedly used online platforms to arrange sexual encounters with children, with charges including computer solicitation, traveling to meet minors, and related felonies.
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The city is accepting nominations for the 2026 Ronald Stearns Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing residents who contribute meaningfully to the community. Interested parties can submit nominations through the city website.
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USTA Florida and the City of Fort Walton Beach will hold a "Rally on the Court" tournament Sept. 25-26 at the Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center, with proceeds benefiting the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Players of all skill levels can enter for $47 per person, a figure honoring the 47 children diagnosed with cancer daily in the U.S.
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The monthly Coffee with the City Manager event has been rescheduled to 10 a.m., moving from its previous time slot. The gathering takes place Thursday, August 6, at the Fort Walton Beach Public Library, offering residents an informal opportunity to discuss city issues with City Manager Jason Davis.
An Okaloosa County judge postponed his decision on whether to dismiss the murder charge against former Deputy Eddie Duran in the May 2024 fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson at a Fort Walton Beach apartment complex. The judge will rule after both sides submit closing arguments and proposed findings by Aug. 14, with trial currently scheduled for Sept. 28.
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The city proclaimed August 23, 2026, as Connie Schabowski Day following her selection as the 2026 Ronald Stearns Citizen of the Year Award winner. Schabowski was recognized for her weekly volunteer work at the city library and her service with a local charitable organization supporting residents in need.
County commissioners authorized legal action to declare a Colony Estates home on Alden Drive a public nuisance after years of complaints from neighbors about drug activity, trash accumulation and disruptive behavior. The property, currently in probate following the owner's death, has been the site of multiple arrests and prompted residents to spend thousands on security measures.
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Captain Sam Signer and Firefighter David Leonard of the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department rescued two large dogs from a smoke-filled home on Rainbow Drive on July 22 after extinguishing a carport fire. The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society presented both firefighters with Animal Lifesaving Awards this week for their efforts.
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The Fort Walton Beach Police Department is recruiting full-time and part-time dispatchers for 12-hour shifts, offering starting pay of $18.93 per hour for trainees and $20.36 once certified. Full-time positions include healthcare, dental coverage, retirement benefits and paid time off.
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Nearly 30 local businesses and organizations will gather at the Recreation Center on August 1 to distribute backpacks and school supplies to students in grades K-12 while offering tutoring resources, health screenings, and mentorship opportunities. The free event, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will also feature food, live music, and blood donation services with incentives for donors.
Okaloosa County and state health officials are investigating abnormal discoloration and odor in Cinco Bayou after residents reported the problem Sunday. Water samples show extremely low oxygen levels, and wildlife including fish, crabs and eels have been observed in distress; preliminary test results are expected by Wednesday.
A 24-year-old Mary Esther resident was taken into custody Sunday after leading Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputies on a 3.7-mile pursuit along U.S. Highway 98 in Destin, reaching speeds of 120 mph in 55 mph zones. The driver, Rojai Anthoneil Lawrence, faces charges of fleeing law enforcement with wanton disregard and reckless driving; no injuries were reported.
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners closed all county beaches Sunday due to life-threatening surf and currents, with double red flags posted to warn swimmers. Thunderstorms are also expected throughout the day, and officials urged beachgoers to seek shelter and avoid the water when lightning is within 10 miles.
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A telecommunications failure that knocked out incoming calls across Fort Walton Beach municipal operations Friday morning was repaired by midday. The outage had disabled phone lines at city hall, police, fire, and other departments, forcing residents to use email for inquiries.
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Mary Esther's Public Works team completed Azalea Park, featuring an ADA-accessible nature trail, a pavilion and furnishings built from reclaimed cypress wood, and hundreds of native plants. The project involved more than 70 volunteers and local organizations working alongside city crews to create the new community gathering space.
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Nate Smith and James Booth were sworn in as police officers for Fort Walton Beach, with Smith having served as a cadet since December and Booth bringing prior law enforcement experience and military service. Both officers have begun work in the department's Uniformed Patrol Division.
A man in his 70s died Friday afternoon after bystanders pulled him from the water near Destiny by the Sea, where single red flags warned of hazardous conditions. The man was found face-down near the sandbar in shallow water, and lifeguards attempted resuscitation for 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead on the beach; the exact cause of death remains undetermined.
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Investigators from multiple jurisdictions arrested a 39-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl after locating their vehicle in Destin on July 22, suspected of involvement in a burglary spree across several counties. A search of the vehicle recovered a stolen firearm, credit cards, gift cards and other property taken during the incidents.
County commissioners are questioning whether Okaloosa County should continue subsidizing school resource officers, arguing the school district's share of costs has shrunk since state safety funding began in 2019. The county has spent more than $25 million over seven years on the program, which was originally intended as a 50-50 partnership.
Headlines and briefings are written by Emerald Coast Connected. Full articles remain with the publishers linked under each story.