Rapid Police Action Ends Scary School Lockdown After Gunfire Report Staff Reports January 12, 2026 1:38 pm Crime, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Public Safety, Schools and Education In Brief: Who: Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office What: Reports of shots fired and suspect arrest When: January 12, 2026, around 10:05 a.m. Where: Lovejoy Road and Burnette Street, near Okaloosa Academy Charter School Why: To locate and apprehend a fleeing suspect and ensure public safety FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A reported shots-fired incident near a Fort Walton Beach school prompted a rapid law enforcement response and a brief lockdown Monday morning, officials confirmed. According to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, officers received multiple calls around 10:05 a.m. on January 12, 2026, reporting gunfire in the area of Lovejoy Road and Burnette Street. Out of an abundance of caution, Okaloosa Academy Charter School was placed on lockdown within moments of the initial calls. Through a coordinated effort between Fort Walton Beach Police officers and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the suspect was quickly located, tracked, and taken into custody while attempting to flee the area. Authorities say the arrest was made without incident, and no injuries were reported. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public. In a statement, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department thanked the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance, highlighting the swift coordination and teamwork that led to the safe resolution of the incident. The investigation remains... Read More

Cold Nights Spark Urgent Shelter Openings Across Okaloosa County Staff Reports January 12, 2026 1:14 pm Charities and Nonprofits, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: Who: Okaloosa County officials and partner shelters serving homeless individuals and families What: Cold weather shelter openings When: Monday night, January 12, with returns Tuesday morning Where: Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Crestview Why: To provide safe, warm shelter during dangerously cold conditions As overnight temperatures dip across the Florida Panhandle, Okaloosa County officials announced the opening of multiple cold-weather shelters on Monday night to provide safe and warm accommodations for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. According to the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, several strategic partner shelters opened the evening of Monday, January 12, offering overnight refuge in both South and North Okaloosa County. Officials emphasized that opening times and eligibility requirements vary by location. In South County, One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach opened its doors at 4 p.m. The shelter, located at 1564 N. Beal Extension, serves adults 18 years and older. Bus transportation is provided, with pickup beginning at 3:30 p.m. at 205 Shell Avenue. One trip will be made. Participants may bring backpacks and essential items, though wagons, bicycles, and suitcases are not permitted on the bus. Secure bike storage will be available at the pickup site. Return transportation to Shell Avenue is scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, when participants may retrieve their belongings. Also in South County, Generations Church in Niceville opened Monday night, welcoming... Read More

 [[{“value”:” The editorial team at Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate have put together a GRAYT venue guide with map to the 30A Songwriters Festival! The 30A Songwriters Festival isn’t just a weekend of great music—it’s a moving target. Dozens of venues. Miles of coastline. Multiple vibes unfolding at the same time. Knowing where to be is just as important as knowing who you want to hear. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Maren Morris Stepped Away From Country Music In 2023 Maren Morris put the country music community on blast in a new video, calling the genre “very politicized” and “dicey.” This isn’t Morris’ first time speaking out against country music. In 2023, the “My Church” singer told the Los Angeles Times that she felt “very distanced” […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

FREEPORT, Fla. (WMBB) – The 2026 District Duals at Freeport High School showcased some of the area’s top wrestlers, but one school brought up a pair of eighth-grade girls to compete in lieu of the boys. North Bay Haven’s Addison Neufeld and Nova Estrada, regular practice partners on the Buccaneers’ girls wrestling team, stepped in […] Read More

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB) – The Lynn Haven Police Department is seeking the public’s help in searching for a missing man. According to a news release, Douglas Shelton, 81, was last seen on Saturday, January 10, around 4 p.m., wearing black shorts and a graphic tee with a TACP logo on it. Lynn Haven Police […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Sunday’s sunset brought together neighbors, families, and activists in a quiet but powerful display of remembrance and solidarity. At Carl Gray Park, dozens lit candles, sang together, and sat in silence. Honoring not only Renee Good, but all lives touched by federal immigration enforcement. The vigil followed the national outcry […] Read More

GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash on Saturday night involving a single vehicle rollover in Gulf County. According to a news release, at around 11:44 p.m., a pickup truck driven by a 40-year-old Crystal River, Florida woman was traveling westbound on County Road 381, east of Shady […] Read More

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A cold weather emergency shelter will open this Sunday, January 11, at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, located at 361 N. 10th Street. According to organizers, the shelter will open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m for those in need of a warm, safe place. Individuals are encouraged to provide […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Hundreds lined up in Panama City Beach for a cold dip in the water. But it was all for a good cause. The Salty Goat Saloon hosted its 10th Annual Polar Plunge on Saturday. All of the proceeds from the plunge go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in honor […] Read More