Jury selection in the trial of a former chief prosecutor on charges of possession of contraband in a detention facility and perjury has begun in Panama City. Greg Wilson was second-in-command at the State Attorney’s Office, but resigned in 2016 to mount an unsuccessful run for state attorney against his former boss, Glenn Hess. Wilson…… MORE
Category Archives: Uncategorized
MARY ESTHER POLICE AND FIRE CONTRACT
The Mary Esther City Council is still deciding if they will contract with Fort Walton Beach for fire and police services. Discussion began some months ago after the City Council did not renew the law enforcement services contract with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. That contract – which cost $386,000 last year – provided the…… MORE
FLORIDA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott have invited all Florida students to participate in the annual Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. Three Florida students will have the opportunity to earn 4-year Florida prepaid scholarships. This year’s contest will be featured around the theme “A Celebration of Innovative Hispanic-American Leaders.” Participating students…… MORE
ECUA GRAND JURY REPORT
North Escambia.Com is reporting that a report by an Escambia County grand jury dealing with complaints and allegations involving the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, still has not been released. That report was completed two months ago but a press release from the State Attorney’s Office said on July 18th said the report was sealed by the…… MORE
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER CITED FOR WRECK
The Florida Highway Patrol said an Escambia County School District school bus driver was ticketed after being involved in a collision with a car just south of Nine Mile Road. Troopers say the bus driver – 25-year-old bus driver Erica Godwin – was stopped at a stop sign when she turned her school bus into…… MORE
BAY HIGH FOOTBALL COACH ARRESTED FOR DUI
Bay High School’s head football coach has been arrested on a DUI charge. Mike Watkins has been suspended from his duties after he was stopped on U.S. 231 near Cherokee Heights Road early Saturday morning. Watkins was booked into the Bay County Jail, but refused to submit to a blood-alcohol breath, blood or urine test.…… MORE
FLORIDA CONSTITUTIONAL ADMENDMENTS
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office has asked the Florida Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that could block at least three proposed constitutional amendments from going on the November ballot. Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers ruled that the proposals should not go on the ballot because they improperly bundled unrelated issues. The three proposals…… MORE
KNIFE LAWS
With all the attention that has been focused on gun laws, many do not realize there have been major changes in laws that regulate knives. The Arizona-based advocacy group. Knife Rights, believes that knives, like guns, should be considered arms protected by the Second Amendment. They do not support any restriction on knives including switchblades,…… MORE
BLACKWATER RIVER STATE FOREST GROWS
The Blackwater River State Forest is growing. The Forest will expand by 800 acres after the acquisition of the Florida Forever Project Area Wolfe Creek Forest. The land is home to a number of rare and endangered species and serves as a major wildlife corridor with frontage on Big Coldwater Creek. The land will also…… MORE
ACTING POLICE CHIEF RETIRES
Acting Chief of Police, Bill Royal has announced his retirement from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. Royal had over 20 years of law enforcement service. His position will be filled by Robert Lovering, the former Chief of Police for the Port Richey Police Department and is said to have over 30 years of experience…… MORE
