Okaloosa Sheriff Aqua Alert for Missing Kayaker Staff Reports January 31, 2026 10:39 pm Niceville An Aqua Alert has been issued for a 32-year-old man who went missing Saturday after his kayak capsized in Boggy Bayou near Lincoln Park, according to authorities. Wessam Bassam Shaer was reported missing on Jan. 31, 2026, after a witness observed his kayak overturn in the water. The witness reported that Shaer did not resurface following the incident. Authorities later located and removed the kayak from the water. Shaer was not with the vessel when it was recovered. A green jacket and beanie believed to belong to Shaer were also found in the area. His clothing at the time of the incident is otherwise unknown. Shaer is described as a 32-year-old male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. Search efforts have been underway in Boggy Bayou since the incident. Officials are asking anyone who may have information related to Shaer’s disappearance to contact local law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. More Local News Aviation New ERAM Weapon Signals Bold Leap in U.S. Military Firepower Niceville Okaloosa Sheriff Aqua Alert for Missing Kayaker Eglin Air Force Base Eglin’s Medical Warriors Capture AFMC Hospital of the Year Title Load More The post Okaloosa Sheriff Aqua Alert for Missing Kayaker appeared first on Mid Bay News. Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Bay District Schools’ annual Excellency in Education awards were held Saturday morning at Bay High School. The ceremony is a chance for district leaders to show their gratitude to the people educating students every day. “Oftentimes, I’m not vocal enough in regards to showing my appreciation and saying thank […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Walton County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service are on the scene of a second large brush fire on Saturday. According to officials, the fire is on Highway 81 near the Redbay community. The flames are not threatening any structures at this time, and no injuries have been […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Walton County Fire Rescue responded to a large outdoor fire near Kaylea Road and Joe Dugger Road in Freeport on Saturday. According to WCFR, crews were dispatched after a 911 caller reported a downed power line that sparked the fire. The Florida Forest Service arrived on scene to assist. […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Matrix COC will be offering cold-weather emergency sheltering this Saturday, January 31, for those in need. Organizers said the shelter will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, 361 N. 10th Street. Individuals are encouraged to provide their own transportation. Local law […] Read More