Young Man Found Dead on a Quiet Okaloosa Road Staff Reports March 4, 2026 5:05 pm Crestview, Crime, Mary Esther, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: A motorist discovered a 20-year-old man dead in the roadway early Tuesday morning. Shell casings were found near the victim, confirming a fatal shooting. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that left a 20-year-old man dead early Tuesday morning in north Okaloosa County. According to investigators, a passing motorist called 9-1-1 shortly before 6 a.m. after spotting a man lying in the roadway on Taylor Road, just off Lake Silver Road north of Crestview. When deputies arrived, they found the victim, identified as a 20-year-old resident of Mary Esther, deceased. Authorities say shell casings were located near the body, indicating the man had been shot. The scene was described as extensive, with deputies meticulously processing the area for evidence as part of an active homicide investigation. Investigators have not yet released information about potential suspects or a possible motive. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or submit an anonymous tip through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers via the P3 Tips mobile app, emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com, or by calling 850-863-TIPS. The investigation remains ongoing. More Local News Crime Powerful Warning from Sheriff After Jail Worker Arrested in Inmate Relationship Crestview Young Man Found Dead on a Quiet Okaloosa Road Niceville Niceville Eagle Pride Travels to Chicago for... Read More

APALACHICOLA, Fla. (WMBB) – On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 4103, a bill that would create a dedicated Apalachicola water and sewer district in Franklin County. The bill would transfer all assets, authority, and responsibility away from the city to a state entity. State Representative Jason Shoaf filed the bill in response […] Read More

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – A man accused of attempting to meet up with someone he thought was a 15-year-old girl was found guilty Wednesday. According to the state attorney’s office, 57-year-old James Robert Stahl was found guilty of traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sex act. In November 2024, Stahl […] Read More

Video above: Understanding the difference between homicide, murder and manslaughter UPDATE (7:20 p.m.): According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, a suspect in the shooting death of a Mary Esther man is now in custody in another jurisdiction. Officials say more information is coming. UPDATE: News 5 has learned more about a deadly shooting in […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – If you’re strolling through the Farmer’s Market this weekend, you’re in for a colorful surprise. ‘Flluxe Arts Festival’ is returning to downtown Panama City. It’s the sixth annual Florida Luxe Arts Festival hosted by the Bay Arts Alliance. The streets will be transformed into an art gallery with vibrant chalk […] Read More

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – In February, Panama City Downtown Improvement Board members said they’d like to see the farmers market rotate around the downtown area every three months. Now, that idea is turning into a reality. Last week, Panama City commissioners heard the plans for a new rotating location for the downtown market. Vendors […] Read More

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – They’re often working behind the scenes, but they can make a big impact on students’ lives. Social workers work closely with students and their families, connecting them with resources in the community. Earnestine Clements is a social worker for Bay District Schools in their homeless education department. They see about […] Read More