30a News

30a News July 11, 2022

Bird, shark rescues in Okaloosa show importance of properly disposing fishing line, tackle

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Harrison and Lt. Jeremy Gilbert were cruising along Santa Rosa Sound while off duty on the Fourth of July when they spotted an osprey struggling in the water. The bird had a treble hook stuck to its right leg and face and was barely able to stay afloat. Had Harrison and Gilbert not been there, it is likely the bird would have died. Their rescue was one of many in Okaloosa County over the past month. Rehabilitated sea turtles released:Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center releases 4 rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico More about conservation:How to help conserve Florida wildlife as sea turtles, manatees become more active this spring According to Melissa Smith, public information coordinator for the northwest region of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, hundreds of coastal animals such as seabirds, sea turtles and marine mammals are snagged in monofilament fishing line and other fishing tackle in Florida each year. “Wildlife entanglements with fishing line and other debris unfortunately still happen across the state,” Smith said. “Fishing line can be deadly to waterbirds, sea turtles and other wildlife, so disposing of it properly can save wildlife from pain and suffering.” Monofilament is a strand of strong, flexible plastic used for fishing, and most of it is non-degradable in the water. According to the FWC, it can last up to 600 years. Boaters like Harrison have also noticed the prevalence of wildlife entanglements. “I’ve been in the area for a long time and when I... Read More
30a.news

30a News July 6, 2022

SIX POUNDS OF METH SEIZED; THREE SEARCH WARRANTS IN SIX DAYS, WCSO VICE NARCOTICS UNIT ARRESTS SEVEN

 July 5, 2022 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Six pounds of meth is seized after Walton County Sheriff’s Office serves three search warrants in just six days leading to the arrest of seven people. The first was executed on June 30th at 186 Foxmeyer Drive in Santa Rosa Beach. Anthony Avizius, 56, was arrested for possession of fentanyl, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Avizius was out on probation on charges stemming from Operation Mr. Clean conducted by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in November 2020. Avizius was given a $50,000 bond and is still incarcerated at the time of this release. After a multi-month investigation, a search warrant was conducted at 76 Windchime Way in Freeport on July 1st. Six pounds of methamphetamine was located along with six pounds of marijuana, fentanyl tablets, two pistols, and a rifle. More than $21,000 in U.S. Currency was also found. Donald Edward Robbins Jr., 41, was arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a weapon and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. Robbins was out on bond for trafficking meth in Covington County, Alabama. He was released the following day on a $50,000 bond. Five people were arrested following a search warrant on July 5th at 130 Sunset Lane in Freeport. During the search, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia were found in multiple bedrooms in the home. Barbara Jean Sullivan, 62, of Freeport was charged with possession of... Read More
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30a News July 5, 2022

Walton County Clerk Internal Audit

WALTON COUNTY, FL – JULY 5, 2022 – Last week, the Board of County Commissioners became aware of an audit completed by the Clerk of Court and released to the general public on July 1, 2022. That audit covers purchasing cards , travel vouchers, and use of county vehicles, and focused solely on each of […] Read More
30a.news

30a News July 5, 2022

Walton County Clerk Internal Audit

WALTON COUNTY, FL – JULY 5, 2022 – Last week, the Board of County Commissioners became aware of an audit completed by the Clerk of Court and released to the general public on July 1, 2022. That audit covers purchasing cards (“P-Cards”), travel vouchers, and use of county vehicles, and focused solely on each of the five County Commissioners. The Board has previously directed staff to investigate similar issues, notably P-Cards and travel policies. Staff has been conducting review of existing policies and practices for those issues related to all County employees and County Commissioners and has been developing policy revisions to address identified issues, many of which overlap with those identified by the Clerk. During that process, staff became aware of the Clerk’s audit, as well as the Clerk’s intent to adopt a new P-Card policy. During a meeting with the Clerk of Court, staff concurred with many of the Clerk’s recommended changes and advised of numerous revisions to be recommended to the Board for adoption that go beyond what the Clerk has proposed. Now that county staff has received and reviewed a copy of the audit and the new policy, the Board will be presented and shall consider revisions to the relevant policies at upcoming Board meetings. The findings of the Clerk’s audit reveal what the Board has previously identified as a systemic breakdown of policies within the prior administration of the County and an improper reliance on practice over written policy by those responsible for administering these... Read More
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30a News June 30, 2022

ONE ARRESTED FOLLOWING SHOOTING INCIDENT IN MIRAMAR BEACH; NO INJURIES REPORTED

June 30, 2022 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A 16-year-old is charged with aggravated assault following a shooting incident with a BB Gun in Miramar Beach. Granados “Omar” Sandoval Early in the morning Thursday, Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call from the victim who was located at an emergency room in Destin. With the assistance of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect vehicle was located at the Circle K on Scenic Gulf Drive. After speaking to the victim, it was discovered several shots had been fired into the windshield of their vehicle on Forest Shore Drive. The suspect, identified as Omar Sandoval, then followed the victim shooting at their car several times along Highway 98. Once the victim reached Destin ER and ran inside, Sandoval shot out the back window of the vehicle. Sandoval has been arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, shooting a deadly missile, and one count of aggravated assault domestic violence. He was transported and booked into the Walton County Jail. The post ONE ARRESTED FOLLOWING SHOOTING INCIDENT IN MIRAMAR BEACH; NO INJURIES REPORTED first appeared on Walton County Sheriff’s Office, FL.  https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More
30a.news

30a News June 29, 2022

Superb Design, Impeccable Experience – Toshiba TV X8900

HONG KONG, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Redefining design and remolding experience, Toshiba TV’s X8900 OLED television is deliciously subtle in outlook and unapologetically ambitious from within – a classic specimen of Toshiba TV’s master-tier TV craftsmanship that resulted, for April and May alone, in a 24% quarterly increase in the television’s sales. **Editors note, 30A TV Channels will be embedded in the VIDAA operating System (remote control) With one of the most customer-friendly television OS (operating system) in the market—VIDAA, the X8900 categorically transforms the relationship between the viewer and the TV. Integrating voice control and universal platform search that are easy to use into the immersive confines of a screen, VIDAA knows by heart what your favorite contents are and how to bring them to you. In making wide arrays of content exponentially easier to access, VIDAA also simplifies your interaction with your TV and diversifies the whole experience. As streaming and gaming starts to become indispensable for big-screen experience, the X8900 is equally uncompromising in bringing top-notch experience when it comes to speed and steadiness. Equipped with one of Toshiba TV’s signature connection features, the Dual Band, the X8900’s built-in compatibility with both 2.4G and 5GHz bandwidths is what cuts out the nonsense, secures the connection, and jumps you the queue directly to smooth, lag-less leisure. And knowing that one size rarely fits it all, the X8900 also comes with an insanely practical, easy-to-use screen-sharing feature. Whether it’s mobile gaming or event live-streaming, just connect, lay back,... Read More