“The military is a big part of our community,” said Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage. “Research has shown us anywhere between about 40% and 60% of our residents or our service population come from either retired military or active military.”
Logos honoring each branch of the military are centered on the hood of the truck, and other decorations honoring those who have been killed or gone missing in action decorate the back end.
“This truck is a symbol and a reflection of our commitment to the community and to our partners in the community,” Bage said. “We can never forget the sacrifices of our men and women who wear uniforms every single day to keep our country free and prosperous.”
Local teachers nominated to win free roof
Special to Gannett
FORT WALTON BEACH Voting is now open for Specialty Roofers, Inc.’s Roofs for Educators contest!. More than 275 Northwest Florida educators were nominated to win a free roof, and now it is down to the final three Billie “Charisse” Stokes from Crestview High School, Donna Barton from Destin Elementary and Patrick Cole from Niceville High School.
“As a local company that deeply cares about this community, we want to give back,” Erin Bakker, director of business development at SRI, said. “Early in my career I taught first and second grade at Destin Elementary, so I know firsthand that teachers deserve all the praise and appreciation we can give them.”
FWC encourages safe boating during Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival
Posted on
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding all boaters to practice safe boating during the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival on May 1 in Fort Walton Beach.
The FWC and law enforcement partners, including the United States Coast Guard, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Okaloosa Island Fire Department, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Fort Walton Beach Fire Department and several others, will be patrolling the waterways for public safety during the event.
Law enforcement agencies are encouraging all boaters to enjoy their time on the water but to take a few safety precautions to stay safe. This includes designating a sober boat operator, wearing a life jacket, using an engine cut-off switch lanyard, and paying attention and keeping a proper lookout.
The teen victim, identified as Quolee Jackson, had suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and was unconscious as his parents were attempting to drive him to a nearby hospital.
Deputies immediately began to render lifesaving measures until EMS arrived and transported the victim to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, OCSO reported. Jackson was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly before midnight.
With assistance from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, OCSO deputies searched for evidence and witnesses overnight and continued their investigation into Tuesday. Our investigators are working relentlessly, Sheriff Eric Aden said in the news release. Aden also asked that the community show compassion amid the tragic incident and come together to bring more information to light.
Fort Walton Beach Police K-9 Bane, Anthony Trujillo compete in USPCA nwfdailynews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nwfdailynews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.