30A Breaking News

Family And Friends Remember Joey Feek On The 10th Anniversary Of Her Passing Fans and loved ones of Joey Feek have shared emotional tributes on the anniversary of her passing, including American Idol star Hannah Harper. Joey Feek passed away on March 4, 2016. She was one half of the folk and country duo Joey […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Here’s the unexpected cost of parking near beautiful 30a beaches for 2026 Steven Saul March 9, 2026 12:34 pm 30a, South Walton, Walton County As early as April 1, Municipal Parking Lots (MPLs) in South Walton will begin charging residents of Walton County and visitors for parking.   On February 26, the Board of County Commissioners approved the signature of a contract with PCI Municipal Services, LLC for parking management and enforcement services at the 393 Municipal Parking Lot, Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Lot, and the Van Ness Butler Parking Lot.   The Van Ness Butler Parking Lot currently does not offer tram service for those seeking rides to and from the beach.  However, the other two MPLs do have Tram services that support public transportation (Beach Tram) to reduce traffic congestion on 30A and give beachgoers the ability to easily access a greater number of public beaches, where parking can be most difficult to find during peak season.  The MPLs are operational between 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m, seven days a week. RELATED: Walton adds ‘full’ parking lot near the beach. Here’s where you can find it.   more below: Walton County residents seeking an annual parking pass will pay $5 dollars for a year.  Costs for non-residents will be much higher, according to the commission’s agenda item paperwork. Non-residents will pay a five-dollar fee from November through February, but the fee increases to $15 the rest of the year.  A non-resident may purchase an Annual Parking Permit for $205.00.  A... Read More

Judge sets trial date for deputy charged with murdering Hurlburt airman Christopher Saul March 9, 2026 11:43 am Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Hurlburt Field, Military The trial of Former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran for the second-degree murder of Hurlburt Field Special Operations Senior Airman Roger Fortson will take place on September 28, 2026.    Defense attorney Michael Flowers, prosecutor Mark Alderman, and Judge William Stone decided in a 30-minute hearing in Fort Walton Beach to schedule three days for the trial this fall – along with another three-day hearing to discuss the admission of expert witnesses, likely to take place in Early August.    RELATED: Slain airman’s mother lays blame at Okaloosa Sheriff’s feet.  An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy discusses potential protests or demonstrations with Chantimekki Fortson, the mother of Roger Fortson. Fortson was killed by an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy, Eddie Duran, when he responded to a domestic disturbance call at the Chez Elan apartment complex in Fort Walton Beach in 2024. Some of those witnesses may discuss the training manuals and standard operating procedures for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as a part of their testimony to the court.  “I don’t want to continue this [case] three to four cycles only to hear this [case] hasn’t progressed,” Judge stone warned with severity to the attorneys.  “It makes me feel,” Chantemekki Fortson, the mother of Roger Fortson, said about Monday’s hearing before pausing for a moment, “a little relieved.” Shared humanity Before the hearing, Mekka Fortson gathered... Read More

Eglin Tightens Control Over Popular Local Waterways Staff Reports March 9, 2026 10:32 am Eglin Air Force Base In Brief: Several waterways around Eglin Air Force Base are now designated restricted areas. Boaters must obtain a Coastal Restriction Area permit through iSportsman to legally enter them. Those without permits may be stopped, cited, fined, or lose recreational access privileges. EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Boaters and recreational users near Eglin Air Force Base should expect increased enforcement on the water this year. Officials say waterways surrounding the base and several nearby areas are now considered restricted, requiring visitors to obtain a Coastal Restriction Area (CRA) permit before entering or passing through. The change stems from evolving security concerns involving potential air and waterborne threats to military installations. According to officials with the 96th Test Wing, the installation commander made the decision to align security rules on the water with restrictions already in place across the base’s land areas. “With renewed interest in the waterways surrounding the base picking up this Spring and Summer, the 96th Security Forces Squadron reminds anyone using the waterways… that a specific permit is required,” officials said in an update released Monday. Boaters or paddlers found inside the restricted areas without permits may be stopped and questioned by base security forces. Those who fail to comply could face fines, possible court appearances, and temporary suspension of recreational access privileges across the Eglin reservation. Permits can be obtained through the iSportsman system, which provides recreation access... Read More

Actress Jennifer Runyon Died On March 6 The world is mourning the loss of a beloved actress, Jennifer Runyon. The news of Jennifer’s death at the age of 65 was confirmed on social media by several people who knew her. They also revealed that she died following a battle with cancer. Her mother-in-law, Nan Corman, […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Marshals Premieres On CBS Marshals officially marks the next chapter in the Yellowstone universe, centered solely on Kayce Dutton. The series follows John Dutton’s son as he takes a decisive turn in his life, joining an elite team of U.S. Marshals.  The season’s premiere episode, “Piya Wiconi,” aired last week. The series begins after the end of Yellowstone, with Kayce and […] More Country Music Nation  Read More