RIP Medical Debt Collaborates with Panhandle Resident Ryan “Jume” Jumonville to Spread Love RIP Medical Debt and Ryan “Jume” Jumonville, announced a new agreement today that will eliminate $100,000,000 of patient medical debt for Floridians. Beginning in May, the lucky Sunshine State residents benefiting from this gift will be receiving letters notifying them that some or all of their medical bills are now “paid in full”. This medical debt was abolished as a charitable act; eliminating any potential tax consequences for recipients. Medical expenses are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. “It’s so difficult for families to overcome health problems, only to face financial hardships from the related medical bills,” says Jumonville. This gift was inspired by a very personal experience. “I recently lost my niece Claire. She battled Cystic Fibrosis her entire life and spent much of that time in hospitals. I’m making this gift in her honor as no one could spread love quite like her,” Jumonville shared. RIP Medical Debt is a not-for-profit, national charity that raises funds from donors and uses those funds to acquire and abolish medical debt. Since inception in 2014 nearly $8.5 billion of medical debt has been abolished, helping more than 5.5m people. Medical debt often results from unplanned, unexpected illnesses and accidents. About one-third of U.S. adults have difficulty covering unexpected health care bills. RIP Medical Debt is committed to relieving people of the burden of medical debt to enhance their economic opportunities and to enable them to live... Read More

April 18, 2023 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— While executing a warrant for a wanted suspect law enforcement nets nine firearms and more than 16 grams of methamphetamine Monday night. On April 17th, the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force serving a warrant for Shaun McBay on Darrell Court in Choctaw Beach discovered a shotgun in plain view sticking out from under the suspect’s bed and numerous items of paraphernalia throughout the home. That weapon was seized by U.S. Marshals during the arrest. As a result, Walton County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics unit obtained a search warrant for the property and eight additional firearms were discovered along with methamphetamine. Nine total firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and 16.1 g of methamphetamine were seized by VICE/Narcotics Investigators along with a 2008 Yamaha R1 that McBay used to flee deputies on multiple occasions while in the commission of felonies within Walton County. McBay was arrested on multiple counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license (habitual). He was given a $50,000 bond and is still incarcerated at the time of this release. The USMS Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force was made up of units from Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Panama City Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

In just twenty minutes, Walton County Fire Rescue knocked down flames that broke out in a Freeport home Monday night. Shortly after 9:00 PM on April 17, 2023, Walton County Fire Rescue and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on April Court following a 911 call reporting a structure fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find flames coming from the left side of a single wide mobile home. Walton County Fire Rescue crews had the fire under control within just ten minutes of their arrival. Within twenty minutes, firefighters had the fire completely extinguished. Fortunately, all residents made it out of the home safely. “Extinguishing a fire in twenty minutes is impressive,” says Sheriff Adkinson. “Extinguishing a fire in a mobile home, which are known for burning more quickly, is monumental. Their quick action stopped the spread of the fire, allowing them to salvage some of the homeowner’s personal belongings.” The fire is believed to be accidental in nature. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the owner of the damaged home.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More