WALTON COUNTY, Fla— The 2023-2024 school year starts tomorrow, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists of increased enforcement as a part of a yearly initiative to help students head back to class safely. Operation Blue Bird will begin on August 10th addressing traffic violations in school zones and keeping buses safe along their routes. Enforcement will focus on speeding in school zones, texting and driving, passing a school bus that is stopped, seatbelt violations, and reckless driving. These focused efforts are intended for the times before school begins and when schools release students to ensure they are getting to and from class without issue. Drivers can expect to see a heavy presence of law enforcement in school zones. Unmarked vehicles will also be used to ensure motorists are complying with laws related to school bus safety. “Our children deserve to begin their school year focusing on what truly matters,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Parents and students should not have to worry about whether they will make it to school without a crash or someone not obeying a stopped school bus. That’s where we come in.” Operation Blue Bird is scheduled to run through September 1st. Walton County Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers to be patient as we see an increase in traffic and congestion on the roadway. Let’s send students back-to-school safely.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the name of a woman at the focus of a death investigation in Miramar Beach. Renee Denise Eggers, 41, has been positively identified as the individual whose body was found in a wooded area near the Okaloosa and Walton County line near the entrance of Emerald Bay subdivision. Deputies were called to the scene Monday, July 31st just before noon after employees from Emerald Bay made the discovery. It is believed Eggers was homeless at the time of her death, however, her last known address is in Indiana. Her family was located, and notification was made. The autopsy report is still pending and the investigation is still ongoing at this time. More information will be released once it becomes available.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

A 37-year-old Freeport man has been arrested for sexual battery following an investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. In June, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau began an investigation into allegations against Joshua Scott Brase. During an interview, a female victim disclosed that Brase had sexually abused her when she was nine years old. The victim also said Brase told her not to tell anyone or “He would come back for her.” “Speaking out against any type of abuse can be a difficult thing to do.” says Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Because of this young lady’s bravery, this sick individual is off the street and unable to harm any more children.” On August 4, 2023, Joshua Scott Brase was located at a home in Freeport and taken into custody by Walton County Sheriff’s Office investigators and members of the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. He is charged with felony sexual battery on a child under the age of twelve and is currently being held in the Walton County Jail on a $500,000 bond. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that the identities of victims are not public record, and we encourage anyone with information to call (850) 892-8111.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

July 31, 2023 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Deputies make a gruesome discovery during a sex offender check in DeFuniak Springs. On Friday, July 29th Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies were attempting to conduct a sex offender check on Eric Antonio Roberts, 49, of Honeysuckle Street in DeFuniak Springs when they noticed a strong odor coming from inside the residence. Due to the inability to make contact with the offender and verify his well-being, entry was made into the home where deputies found two dogs inside a kennel clearly deceased. The animals were chained together using a padlock and did not have access to food or water. The electricity had been turned off inside the home and the back door had also been padlocked. Deputies checked with local hospitals and family in an effort to locate Roberts. Roberts was located a short time later at a gas station on Highway 90. He confirmed his address and that the dogs were his. When being taken under arrest, Roberts immediately started to reach toward his pocket. Cocaine was located inside a glasses case Roberts attempted to retrieve during his arrest. Roberts is charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and possession of cocaine. He was issued a $15,000 bond and is still incarcerated at the time of this release.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

September 9th and 10th The seventh annual Emerald Coast Holistic Health Expo is set to take place on September 9th and 10th at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Conference Center. The expo will feature an exhibit hall and market open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. This highly anticipated event, now in its seventh year, will offer free admission and welcome all visitors to explore a diverse range of indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces, demonstrations, and presentations focusing on holistic health and wellness. Co-founded by Scott Chase and his wife, Daralyn, the expo has experienced significant growth over the years, becoming one of the most prominent annual events in the area. Scott and Daralyn are also known for their work with Natural Awakenings magazine in Northwest Florida. “Throughout Northwest Florida, we saw a surge of new businesses offering services and products dedicated to holistic wellness and environmental sustainability,” explains Daralyn. “With Natural Awakenings already enjoying a loyal following of readers and advertisers, it made sense to create an event where they could come together to explore and promote the vast world of natural health and green living.” This year’s expo will feature exhibitors showcasing their services and products, delivering presentations, and offering samples and experiences to attendees. Exciting door prizes, including gift certificates, spa packages, and gift baskets, will also be up for grabs. Limited vendor/exhibit space may still be available. For more information or to inquire about securing a spot,... Read More