WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Walton County Fire Rescue and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene of a semi-truck fire on Monday morning. According to officials, the fire occurred on Interstate 10 near mile marker 73 east of the DeFuniak Springs exit. Officials confirm the fire has been extinguished; however, one […] Read More

$241M Contract Expands Joint Strike Missile Production Staff Reports December 15, 2025 12:38 pm Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base In Brief: The U.S. Air Force awarded a $240.9 million contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for Joint Strike Missile production through 2028. The contract covers missile rounds, containers, test hardware, and support items and is managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin AFB.  The Joint Strike Missile is a long-range, air-launched precision weapon optimized for internal carriage on the F-35 fighter. The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $240.9 million contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to continue production of the Joint Strike Missile, further expanding the military’s long-range precision strike capabilities. According to the Defence Blog, the firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract covers the production of Joint Strike Missile Lot Two rounds, along with missile containers, test equipment, and related support hardware. The award reflects continued investment in the missile system, which is designed for use by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The contract was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, which is serving as the contracting authority. Work under the agreement will be performed in Kongsberg, Norway, and is expected to continue through November 30, 2028. The Joint Strike Missile is a long-range, air-launched precision weapon optimized for internal carriage aboard the F-35, allowing the aircraft to maintain its low-observable, stealth profile while carrying a standoff strike capability. The missile is derived from Kongsberg’s Naval Strike... Read More

Gunfire Erupts on Dates Avenue, Two Injured Inside Fort Walton Beach Home Staff Reports December 15, 2025 12:13 pm Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Unknown suspects fired multiple rounds into a Fort Walton Beach home early Friday morning. A male and a female inside the residence were struck but suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and is asking the public for tips. FORT WALTON BEACH — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early morning shooting after multiple rounds were fired into a Fort Walton Beach home, injuring two people. According to a post shared by the Sheriff’s Office on its official Facebook page, deputies responded around 12:30 a.m. on December 13 to reports of gunfire at a residence on Dates Avenue. Investigators say a male and a female were inside the home when an unknown suspect or suspects fired several shots through a bedroom window. Both victims were struck by gunfire, but their injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening, the Sheriff’s Office said. At this time, no suspects have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers by calling 850-863-TIPS (8477), submitting a web tip, or using the P3 Tips mobile app. More Local News Aviation $241M Contract Expands Joint Strike Missile Production Crime Gunfire Erupts on Dates Avenue, Two... Read More

Walton County Sheriff rebukes Kyle Rittenhouse’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ claims in DeFuniak Springs shooting Collin Bestor December 15, 2025 11:59 am Walton County In Brief: Sheriff forcefully rejects Stand Your Ground claims Suspect held without bond on murder charge Rare public video response from sheriff DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — The Walton County Sheriff’s Office pushed back forcefully on Friday against claims by gun rights activist Kyle Rittenhouse that a fatal shooting in DeFuniak Springs was an act of lawful self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Deputies arrested Michael Rediker, 44, on Thursday following a shooting on Pioneer Drive that left one man dead. Rediker is charged with one count of open murder, battery, and three counts of aggravated battery, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. He is being held without bond as the investigation continues. Rittenhouse, who was acquitted citing self-defense laws in 2021 after killing two people during a racial justice protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, posted a video on Thursday outside the Walton County Jail, where Rediker is being held. In the video he pinned to his X account, Rittenhouse claimed Rediker acted in self-defense and should be protected by Florida’s Stand Your Ground statute. “Michael did nothing wrong, and he deserves all our support,” Rittenhouse said. “We are expecting an outright not guilty under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.” Sheriff Michael Adkinson responded in a rare and strongly worded public video on Friday, rejecting those claims and criticizing Rittenhouse and his attorney for what he described as... Read More

Rob Reiner And His Wife, Michele, Discovered Deceased In Their California Home Tracy Reiner, the eldest daughter of actor and director Rob Reiner, finds herself in a state of shock following his death. 78-year-old Rob and his wife, 68-year-old Michele Singer Reiner, were found deceased in their home in Brentwood, California, on Sunday (December 14). […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Red Shoe Party Returns to Support Foster Children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties Staff Reports December 15, 2025 11:19 am Charities and Nonprofits, Events, Okaloosa County, Walton County In Brief: Who: Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation, supporters, and community members What: The Red Shoe Party, a signature fundraising cocktail event When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. Where: Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove Beach Why: To support and advocate for foster children in Okaloosa and Walton counties by providing stability, resources, and hope The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation will once again roll out the ruby slippers this winter as it brings back its signature Red Shoe Party, a fundraising event benefiting foster children in Okaloosa and Walton counties. The cocktail-style celebration is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove Beach. The event blends entertainment, dining, and philanthropy, all centered around a theme drawn from The Wizard of Oz — a reminder that “there’s no place like home.” Inspired by Dorothy’s iconic red shoes, the evening highlights the Foundation’s mission to provide stability, advocacy, and hope for children navigating the foster care system. Organizers say the symbolism resonates deeply with the children served by the organization, many of whom face uncertainty about where they will live and who will speak on their behalf. Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail attire with a pop of red, whether through shoes or accessories. A Red Shoe Contest... Read More

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Marianna Police Department responded to the Gibbs Apartment Complex, located on Milton Avenue, on Sunday evening. According to a news release, the incident happened at approximately 5:20 p.m. after a report of a person who had been shot multiple times. Upon arrival, officers attempted to render lifesaving aid; however, […] Read More

 [[{“value”:” The 30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 17th year with more than 150 artists performing over the four-day Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend in 25+ venues ranging in capacities from 75 to 6,000, including six headline performances at the main stage in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

 [[{“value”:” Leapin’ lizards! Join your favorite red headed orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks, and the eternally grumpy Miss Hannigan for this feel good story of finding your forever home. With hits like “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “Tomorrow,” you will experience the magic of the holidays and the spirit of generosity that always comes this time of year. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Walton County has the area’s highest opioid deaths. Here’s how officials will try to reduce fatal overdoses: Steven Saul December 15, 2025 8:45 am 30a, South Walton, Walton County In Brief: The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved a six-month “Pilot Program” with up to 10 self-standing rescue boxes to tackle the opioid crisis. The program will utilize Naloxone (Narcan), a medicine that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, following a year where 303 overdoses were responded to by emergency services. The Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services will deploy and maintain the boxes at strategic county-owned sites, including the Jail Lobby and proposed park locations, ensuring the life-saving medication is available. This week, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved an Overdose Protection Task Force “Pilot Program” designed to fight the opioid crisis in the United States. Holly Holt, Health Officer and Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Walton County, in her presentation to the BCC said, “[The Task Force] is asking the BCC to authorize a six-month pilot project with up to 10 ‘self-standing pilot boxes’ at county owned sites, and to direct staff to work with Walton County Overdose Prevention Task Force to identify county owned locations to place Naloxone (also known as Narcan) in these rescue boxes.  What is Naloxone or Narcan? “Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.  It is an opioid antagonist, which means the drug attaches to the opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other... Read More