SHERIFF MIKE ADKINSON (at podium) with Assistant Special Agent Drug Enforcement Agency Mike Dubet and United States Attorney Jason Coody. From RUBY KEARCE  Assistant Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency Mike Dubet and United States Attorney Jason Coody joined Walton County’s Sheriff, Michael Adkinson, at a press conference Thursday evening, Oct 27, regarding Operation Hans Gruber. This operation represents a year-long investigation that had come to a head that morning.  Members from Walton county Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) joined forces with the Department of HomeLand Security to make 25 arrests for Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine in Walton County and surrounding counties, with four suspects still at large and more warrants expected. Four of the arrested suspects have already been federally indicted, have pleaded guilty, and are awaiting sentencing. The remaining individuals have been charged by the state and are awaiting arraignment. Over the course of the WCSO investigation, they have successfully taken into custody upwards of 3,000 grams of cocaine, 2,500 grams of cannabis,  multiple firearms, and 50 grams of crack. Regarding the length of the investigation, Sheriff Adkinson said “Making an arrest is half the battle; the other half is that it must lead to a successful prosecution, and I think that is where the time and effort has led.”  U.S. Attorney Coody said, “These investigations take time and the citizens should know that it is not a matter of how quickly or expeditiously an arrest is made, but that the prosecutions are built in such a way that... Read More

[ November 2, 2022 ] More than 3,000 grams of cocaine seized WCSO reports arrests made during Operation Hans Gruber Uncategorized [ November 2, 2022 ] Freeport City Council fills vacant seats, sets holiday schedule [PREMIUM] News [ November 2, 2022 ] Glidewell presents resolution pledging no bonds for five years based on infrastructure tax [PREMIUM] News [ November 2, 2022 ] First public hearing held on revised Short Term Vacation Rental Ordinance [PREMIUM] News [ November 2, 2022 ] SUV runs down Blue Mountain Beach access, causing extensive damage News [ November 2, 2022 ] November 2, 2022 Legals Legal Notices Read More

WALTON COUNTY’S proposed ordinance to address impacts of short-term rental homes on surrounding residential areas continued in the review and approval process with an Oct. 27 first reading. (Photo by Dotty Nist) By DOTTY NIST Walton County’s revised proposed Short Term Vacation Rental Ordinance got a mosSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content. Read More

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS and staff discuss a proposed resolution at the Oct. 25 Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting. (Photo credit: Walton County Public Information) By DOTTY NIST On Oct. 25, with early voting in the referendum on a proposed one-cent sales tax Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this content. Read More

THIS WAS the scene at Blue Mountain Beach Regional Beach Access following impacts from a vehicle that ended up near the base of the dune walkover. (Photo credit: Walton County Beach Operations) By DOTTY NIST Blue Mountain Beach Regional Beach Access has been closed until further notice in the wake of a SUV having hit part of the beach access structure and run down the slope to the beach. According to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) report, the SUV, driven by a 34-year-old man from Aurora, Ill., had been traveling down CR-83 toward Blue Mountain Road at a high rate of speed at approximately 5:10 a.m. on Oct. 30 during inclement (damp) weather, when the vehicle collided with the beach access walkway and then proceeded down the slope, coming to rest at the bottom of the dune walkover, facing south. The driver of the SUV stated that he had fallen asleep at the wheel, according to the report. He was not injured and the report does not indicate that there were any passengers in the SUV. The name of the driver has not been released. According to a report by NewsChannel 7, FHP indicated that field sobriety exercises had been conducted on the driver, he was not determined to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and he was issued a citation for careless driving. The Herald/Breeze was not able to confirm these details independently with FHP. Contacted by the Herald/Breeze on Oct. 31, Walton County Beach Operations Director... Read More