Powerful Federal Drug and Gun Charges Rock the Mary Esther Community Staff Reports February 4, 2026 11:14 am Crime, Mary Esther, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: A Mary Esther man was federally indicted on fentanyl trafficking and firearm charges. The case stems from a joint DEA and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Trial is scheduled for March 2 in Pensacola federal court. PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Mary Esther man is facing multiple federal charges after a grand jury indictment tied to fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearm possession, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that 52-year-old Scott D. Oranje of Mary Esther was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Oranje appeared for arraignment in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola. His jury trial is scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. If convicted, Oranje faces significant prison time. Prosecutors say the fentanyl charge carries a possible sentence of five to 40 years, the firearm charge tied to drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum of five years up to life imprisonment, and the felon-in-possession charge carries up to 15 years in prison. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by... Read More

Surveillance Video and Public Tips Help Expose PAWS Donation Theft Staff Reports February 4, 2026 10:26 am Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County In Brief: A donation box was stolen from PAWS on February 3. Police identified the suspect using surveillance footage and public tips. A Fort Walton Beach man was arrested and charged with petit theft. FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Fort Walton Beach Police arrested a local man Tuesday after a donation box containing cash was reported stolen from the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). According to police, officers responded to the theft report at approximately 10:19 a.m. on February 3 at the PAWS facility located at 752 Lovejoy Road NW. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage provided by the organization and received multiple tips from the public that helped quickly identify the suspect. Officers located 44-year-old Tony Salazar of Fort Walton Beach and took him into custody. Police say Salazar admitted to the theft, describing it as a “crime of opportunity.” Salazar was charged with petit theft under Florida Statute 812.014(1)(a). The Fort Walton Beach Police Department credited both PAWS staff and community members for their assistance in resolving the case. More Local News Crime Powerful Federal Drug and Gun Charges Rock the Mary Esther Community Crime Surveillance Video and Public Tips Help Expose PAWS Donation Theft Crestview Okaloosa Schools Post Powerful Academic Gains, Higher Graduation Rates Load More The post Surveillance Video and Public Tips Help Expose PAWS Donation Theft appeared first on Mid Bay News. Read More

Okaloosa Schools Post Powerful Academic Gains, Higher Graduation Rates Staff Reports February 4, 2026 10:04 am Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County School District, School Board members What: First semester performance update highlighting academic, facility, and student success When: First semester of the 2025 school year (reported Feb. 4, 2026) Where: Okaloosa County School District Why: To highlight progress, improvements, and future planning efforts NICEVILLE, Fla. — Okaloosa County School District leaders are highlighting major academic gains, student achievements, and infrastructure improvements following what Superintendent Marcus Chambers called a strong first semester across local schools. In a districtwide update released Tuesday, Chambers pointed to continued “A” ratings from the Florida Department of Education, rising graduation rates, expanding career pathways, and new facility projects as signs of sustained momentum despite challenges tied to enrollment declines, budget pressures, and housing shortages. “This semester demonstrated what is possible when students, staff, families, and community partners work together,” Chambers said. “While there is much to celebrate, we remain focused on doing what is best for students and supporting our educators.” For the eleventh consecutive year, Okaloosa County earned an “A” district grade from the state — a distinction held by only three Florida districts since school grades began in 2014. Middle school acceleration rose by nine points, college and career acceleration increased by six points, and more schools improved their individual performance ratings. The district also reported a graduation rate increase to... Read More

Controlled Burns Begin at Shoal River Preserve Staff Reports February 4, 2026 9:15 am Crestview, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County Land Resources Division, Florida Forest Service, Public Safety, North Okaloosa, Crestview, and Dorcas Fire Departments What: Prescribed burns covering about 400 acres When: Beginning later this week and continuing through February Where: Shoal River Preserve near Crestview in northeast Okaloosa County Why: To improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, and prepare the preserve for public use CRESTVIEW, Fla. — Okaloosa County will begin a series of prescribed burns at the Shoal River Preserve later this week as part of an ongoing effort to protect natural habitats, reduce wildfire risks, and prepare the preserve for its public opening later this year. The controlled burn operation, led by the county’s Land Resources Division in coordination with the Florida Forest Service, Okaloosa County Public Safety, and local fire departments, including North Okaloosa, Crestview, and Dorcas Fire Departments, will cover approximately 400 acres in northeast Okaloosa County. Officials say the burns will continue through February and are dependent on favorable weather conditions. Residents in nearby areas may notice limited smoke during the operation, though impacts are expected to remain minimal. County Commission Chairman Trey Goodwin said the effort plays a vital role in maintaining the preserve’s long-term health and public value. “These burns are a necessary part of creating a healthy wildlife habitat and an important part of creating an ideal space that will soon be open for the enjoyment... Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The city of Panama City has plenty of empty lots and potential. Now, it’s giving residents the tools to make new development happen. A new small-scale development boot camp will train local entrepreneurs to develop neighborhood spaces. It’s a five-week intensive training program hosted by the Incremental Development Alliance in […] Read More

🌧️ Rain Is Finally Coming! Good news, much-needed rain arrives on Wednesday! Most spots will pick up about a quarter to three-quarters of an inch, and some lucky areas like the Florida Panhandle have a chance of getting over an inch. 🌧️👏 Don’t expect much thunder though ⚡ the atmosphere just won’t have enough energy […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – America’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, has thrown in the towel to rezone more than 62 acres in Southport. D.R. Horton was proposing to build up to 100 new homes on the land located east of Clement Drive and Cucinitti Drive, north of Newman Point Road. But residents objected, pointing out […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Tourism Development Council is rewriting procedures, navigating forensic audits, updating credit card policies, regaining the public’s trust, and now searching for a new TDC-CVB leader. TDC board members officially accepted CEO Dan Rowe’s resignation on Monday. “It’s going to take a special person to be able to get this […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Severe weather awareness week is underway across the region.Walton County is reminding residents that dangerous weather can strike with little warning. From severe thunderstorms to tornadoes and flash flooding, this is the time to review safety plans and stay weather-ready. Officials suggest having multiple ways to receive weather alerts and […] Read More